Health & Fitness
Local non-profit inspires Chicago area resident
After learning about the Over the Rainbow Association, Tiffiny Higgins had an immediate interest in the Evanston-based non-profit organization.
After learning about the Over the Rainbow Association from Board Member Mark Tennison, Tiffiny Higgins had an immediate interest in the Evanston-based non-profit that provides housing and employment opportunities to individuals with physical disabilities.
A commercial real estate attorney and self-professed cupcake lover, Higgins had a great appreciation for the work Over the Rainbow does across the state, and earlier this year was offered the opportunity to join the Over the Rainbow Association’s newly created Junior Board.
“I don't have a specific personal connection to the Over the Rainbow Association other than the fact that I have an appreciation for independent living,” Higgins said. “I have great respect for persons living with physical disabilities in a world that often makes it very difficult for them to navigate.”
Find out what's happening in Lincoln Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The association was started nearly 40 years ago with a small building in Chicago and has since expanded into seven residential complexes in Chicago, Waukegan, Matteson, Rockford, Harvard and Freeport.
After Higgins heard the truly inspiring stories from the Over the Rainbow residents and their families, she was eager to get involved in the organization.
Find out what's happening in Lincoln Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Giving someone the joy and respect that comes from being able to live an independent life is an invaluable service that Over the Rainbow provides,” she said.
Next up for Higgins is assisting the Over the Rainbow Association with its 23rd annual Celebration benefit gala on December 1st. The event, taking place at Evanston’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, will bring Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin and opera superstar Nathan Gunn together for a unique and powerful evening of music and merriment.
Tickets prices for the event are $250 for orchestra seating and post-concert reception, $150 for front balcony seating, and $75 for rear balcony seating. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.pickstaiger.org/event/evening-mandy-patinkin-nathan-gunn.
More information on the Over the Rainbow Association and its 23rd annual Celebration concert can be found at www.otrassn.org.
