Working for a nonprofit you get to see the best of people. You see it in their spirit and in their generosity. It fills my heart and soul as much as it does for the families and participants who benefit from their generosity.
At WDSRA we are humbled by the spirit and generosity of those who have helped us forward the WDSRA mission and vision for years. A mission that believes in the development of individuals through special recreation. A vision that believes that through special recreation a world of untapped potential is opened and can lead to a lifetime of possibilities.
Because of their continuous support of WDSRA participants and families, the WDSRA Foundation is proud to name the City of Naperville as the 2018 Hall of Fame awardee.
For more than a decade, the City of Naperville has had a direct impact on the sustainability of programs like the Visiting Artist Program which serves those with mental illness and summer camps for children and teens with special needs in Naperville. Their funding enabled large scale special events like: Special Talents, a version of America’s Got Talent; Boccia Nationals, a national competitive event for athletes with physical challenges hosted in Naperville in July of 2017; and the Adaptive Sports Festival, designed to introduce and educate those with physical challenges about the opportunities available to them.
Their understanding of our participant needs has also been demonstrated in their support of scholarships, transportation and even the remodeling of the kitchen at WDSRA offices which is used frequently for programs.
Support for these programs has come from the City of Naperville’s Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund and the Social Services Grant Program. Total contributions to WDSRA exceed $155,000.
The award was presented Saturday, March 3 at the WDSRA Foundation’s Black & Red Bash. Presenting the award was Ray McGury, Naperville Park District Executive Director and member of the WDSRA Association Board. Accepting the award for the City of Naperville was Dawn Portner, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Naperville and Ruth Broder, Community Grants Coordinator for the City of Naperville.
It is with immense gratitude that we applaud their dedication and contributions.
Congratulations to the City of Naperville!
