UPS CACH Hosts Annual Appreciation Barbeque for St. Coletta’s

Tinley Park, IL: Despite the looming clouds and the chance of rain, on Thursday, June 20, UPS Chicago Area Consolidate Hub (CACH) located in Hodgkins, IL hosted their annual St. Coletta’s Appreciation Barbeque. The event provided participants with a day filled with great food and high fives with their favorite delivery men and women. For many St. Coletta’s participants, the highlight of the day was a special truck ride in the UPS vehicle.

The UPS CACH facility has built a special relationship with St. Coletta’s of Illinois over the last 20 years that goes beyond being a community supporter. Even the breakroom, dubbed the “St. Coletta’s Café,” displays photos of the participants at previous events. Near the coffee machine sits a decorated box with more participant photos that is used to collect donations for St. Coletta’s throughout the year.

To the UPS employees who participate each year, it is more than just a day of fun. Tracy Bestwina recalls a time when she was not able to be at the picnic after her brother passed away. When the participants learned what happened, they expressed genuine concern for their friend. One participant even drew Bestwina a picture to make her feel better. “That is why I am here,” she said. “They care about me just as much as I care about them.”

“The first time I met the participants, 13 years ago, was just an amazing experience. I had a blast,” states Suzi Peters, the UPS employee responsible for organizing the annual outings. "They really are family and I love them all."

Wally Marquardt, a UPS employee who has been a part of the barbeque since the beginning, enjoys how happy the participants are and how much they enjoy life. "It's like a ray of sunshine after a long day, and it just makes you feel good."

Smiles ran wide as the trucks zipped by with each participant, eagerly waving to those around them. “It was awesome. The best day of my life!” exclaimed one participant after his ride.

Adding to the summer fun, UPS will sponsor a day at Guaranteed Rate Field in August for participants to watch the Chicago White Sox play the Houston Astros.

St. Coletta's of Illinois, celebrating its 70th year, provides services to over 250 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, vocational and residential programming. To learn more about St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation, please contact the Foundation Office at 708-342-5298 or visit our website at www.stcolettail.org.