Public Invited to a Kentucky Derby Gala

Have you always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby and watch the “Run for the Roses”?

West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) has a great alternative to driving down to Louisville, Kentucky. WSSRA will be hosting their annual Derby Gala fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, May 4, 2013 in the Turf Club at Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie in Cicero, from 3:00-7:00pm. A light dinner, beer and wine, a derby hat and tie contest, raffles and a silent auction are included in the day.

Guests can enjoy off-track wagering and view a simulcast of the running of the 139^th Kentucky Derby. WSSRA raises funds at this event to increase recreation opportunities for persons from Oak Park, Forest Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Franklin Park, Elmwood Park and River Forest with disabilities served by the Association.

Illinois Senators Don Harmon, Phil Rock, and Martin Sandoval and State Representative (retired) Angelo “Skip” Saviano are this year’s Steering Committee Chairmen.

“We hope to raise $50,000 at the Derby Gala. Our silent auction, the ad book, raffle and ticket proceeds will bring in needed funds. In addition to raising funds, our guests also provide encouragement to WSSRA and the families we serve. Their attendance at this event shows WSSRA staff and participants that WSSRA’s mission to provide quality recreation to individuals with disabilities is a worthwhile mission. The legislators’ and town officials’ presence at this event demonstrate their support for individuals with disabilities. WSSRA can enrich many lives if this event is successful," said Marianne Birko, WSSRA Executive Director.

WSSRA provides therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with any kind of disabling condition or special education need. Social, skill development, art, athletic and fitness programs  are offered. Programs are held in the community in the same places people without disabilities enjoy their own leisure time.

            “Providing therapeutic recreation for individuals with disabilities is costly. WSSRA staff members are specially trained to provide close supervision; even one–on-one staffing is given when a participant needs that intense level of care in order to be successful. WSSRA provides accessible transportation and scholarship assistance for some of the programs. Our member communities provide the majority of our funding but the need to serve even more eligible residents continues to grow. We continue to have waiting lists for day camps, scholarships and accessible transportation. Fund-raisers, like the Derby Gala allow us to maintain and possibly expand our service. We are grateful to receive community support at these events," Birko stated.

The West Suburban Special Recreation Foundation is also accepting items for the silent auction which will run from 3:00 to 6:00pm that day.  Wine, sports & theater tickets, technology items and gift cards for services are needed. WSSRA staff are available to pick up any donations. A raffle for an iPad 2 and cash prizes will also be featured at the WSSRA Derby Gala. Raffle tickets are $25.00 each or 5 tickets for $100.00. Winner need not be present to win.

For more information about this event or WSSRA visit www.wssra.net. Call the Association office at 847-455-2100 to purchase a raffle or Derby Gala ticket. Event tickets are $85.00 each.