An evening of “Pure Imagination” was held March 1 at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville, attracting some 300 patrons for an evening of pure delight as well. The 38th Annual Benefit Auction for Little Friends raised more than $100,000, organizers said.
The Fund-A-Need part of the night was doubled to that of last year; bringing in much needed donations that will go directly into the 11 dynamic programs operated by Little Friends.
Kristi Landorf, President and CEO of Little Friends, was overwhelmed by the generosity of those that attended.
“I am so proud of the obvious value that our supporters place on our mission of community integration for all,” Landorf said.
Joining Landorf on stage was Kathy, one of the 800 individuals served by Little Friends each year. Kathy, who resides in one of the homes in the Community Living Services Program at Little Friends, was featured in the brand new agency video that was unveiled at event.
Kathy’s home, which is in Naperville, provides her and the three other women that live with her, the opportunity to live independently within their community.
Little Friends has been providing services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities since 1965. While operating three schools, a community-based residential program for adults, extensive adult vocational programming, a group home for children on the autism spectrum, and the Little Friends Center for Autism, Little Friends continues to develop additional programming and cutting-edge therapies to empower those with special challenges to integrate into their communities by providing communication, social, and life skills, an education and opportunities to live a rich full life.
To make a donation or learn more about Little Friends, call (630) 355-6533 or visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.
Going forward
Little Friends will host two upcoming fundraising events to help heighten awareness of autism during April.
Noon to 4PM Sun., April 13 – Family Fun Fair at Aurelio’s Pizza located at 1975 Springbrook Square Dr., Naperville, off of Route 59. $30 Admission for pizza, soft drinks, games, prizes, magician, face painting and more.
7-8:30PM Tues., April 15 – FREE Community Presentation: Autism and Art Therapy at Madden Theater, 171 E. Chicago Ave., in the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center at North Central College. RSVP at (630) 355-6533 to register, seating is limited.
Remember! Light it up blue!
Help promote understanding the spectrum of autism all year long and especially when blue lights help illuminate Autism Awareness Month in April. Tell friends and neighbors what the blue lights, blue wrist bands and blue balloons mean.
For more information about upcoming fundraising events that welcome support, visit littlefriendsinc.org.
