Orland Hills Teams with USO to Celebrate Village's 50th Anniversary

The Village of Orland Hills has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Before name changes, annexations and incorporations, the community spent much of its 50 years known as Westhaven, with little more than 100 homes.

The village’s population is now approximately 7,000.

A three-day celebration was held at Kelly Park this past weekend to celebrate the village’s 50^th anniversary, with concerts, food, family events, laser light shows and firework displays that rivaled those of larger cities.

Proceeds raised by the celebration were donated to the United Services Organization (USO) of Illinois. Jim Michael, director of development for USO of Illinois, manned an information booth during the Orland Hills celebration. 

"All the money used by the USO is donated," Michael said.

The USO is a non-profit that’s celebrating its 70^th anniversary this year. Many people think of Bob Hope and other performers as synonymous with the USO, and in a sense they are correct. However, the USO serves our soldiers and their families through more than just entertainment. 

The USO of Illinois provides over 300 programs and services to military members and their families throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Over 300 volunteers give almost 20,000 hours of service each year.

"The USO of Illinois is thrilled that we are living in a time where kids know about the military and appreciate them,” Michael said. “Kids aren't intimidated or afraid of our soldiers. It's my pleasure to teach the community and our children how they can be involved and reach out to our military."

More information can be found on the USO website.