Advocate's Adult Down Syndrome Center Eats Up "Dine Out for Down Syndrome Awareness" Effort

During this National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a special fundraising effort in Chicago’s northwest suburbs is calling on neighbors and supporters of the Advocate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center (ADSC) in Park Ridge to eat out for Down syndrome awareness at Graziano’s Brick Oven Pizza, 5960 W. Touhy Ave., Niles, Ill.

The restaurant will host a special evening fundraiser for the ADSC. Dine Out for Down Syndrome Awareness will be held Monday, Oct. 26, 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, drink and mingling with others connected to the Center. Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 per child (age 10 and younger) and can be purchased in advance online at http://advocate.kintera.org/graziano. The donation includes appetizers, pizza, beer, wine and soft drinks. Every dollar donated at the event goes directly to ADSC.

Additionally, frequent Graziano’s any day in October and the restaurant will donate 20% of customers’ food and beverage total spend to ADSC. To participate, mention the Adult Down Syndrome Center to your server at your next visit to the restaurant.

“Both of these opportunities offer a great way to help the Adult Down Syndrome Center continue its mission of providing comprehensive and compassionate care to adolescents and adults with Down syndrome,” said Brian Chicoine, M.D., director of ADSC. “We are so grateful for the support from families, friends and businesses.”

“We want to raise awareness about Down syndrome and the important contribution the center makes by improving the lives of thousands of individuals and families living with Down syndrome,” added Maria Demet, who owns Graziano’s with her husband Steven and partner Paul Cipolla.

The Demets have been supporting the ADSC for 13 years, ever since their son with Down syndrome was born.

For more information on the month-long Dine Out for Down Syndrome Awareness effort at Graziano’s, call (847) 647-4096 or visit http://www.grazianosrestaurant.com/.

The Center serves individuals with Down syndrome, starting at age 12. It’s the only medical facility of its kind in the Midwest, enhancing the well-being of adults with Down syndrome. The Center takes a team approach to provide holistic, community-based health care services. It also extends its reach to support parents, siblings and guardians in situations specific to caring for their loved one with Down syndrome.

For more information on the medical care, healthy living programs and family support groups at the ADSC, please call (847) 318-2303 or visit http://www.advocatehealth.com/luth/downsyndromecenteradultsandteens.