What a difference a year makes…. at least this year!
This time last year, we were busily planning a large scale, 300+ person fundraiser for March. The BASH was a spectacular event including dinner, an abundance of silent auction packages, entertainment and more. Most importantly, it was our largest fundraiser of the year. The funds raised during that one evening were vital to delivering social and recreational programs to Naperville residents with special needs throughout the year.
Fast forward to this year. The Bash is still our largest fundraiser of the year and those funds are still essential to serving Naperville residents. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to hold a large in-person event. That means there will be a $100,000-140,000 revenue shortfall.
So what do we do? We do what we do best… adapt! The 2021 BASH is going online and In homes.
We are kicking off an appeal and one-hour virtual celebration. Beginning in early February, the appeal has been specifically to raise the funds needed to erase the $100,000-$140,000 revenue shortfall. These funds are still needed to meet our programming budget for this fiscal year.
Families are depending on social and recreational programs to play a vital role in the overall health and wellbeing of their loved one. We have seen that without programs, their loved one may face amplified levels of sadness, loneliness and depression. Additionally, parents are relying on the dependable respite that even a few hours a week can give them to recharge.
Donations to the appeal will ensure that programs continue, whether virtual or in-person, and that families have access to what they need throughout the year.
And thanks to the generosity of the Scott & Trish Karll Giving Fund, donations made before February 15 have been doubled (up to $10,000) with a dollar-for-dollar match.
We are also planning a free virtual 1-hour celebration Saturday, March 6. We hope to celebrate erasing the revenue shortfall at the end of the appeal.
The evening opens with a short preshow at 6:30PM prior to the main event. We’ll set the mood for the evening with a few high energy videos featuring participants, recognition of sponsors and a special message from the winemakers of Capo Creek Winery.
The main event will be 7-8PM. Though we are not together in the same room, we have a lot of fun planned for that 1-hour. We’ll introduce you to a few families who share just how important your support is to their loved ones. You’ll also get a special behind-the-scenes look at putting on a virtual event. And so much more.
Opening February 26, is the limited silent auction we are currently working on where you can bid right from your phone and the comfort of your home.
Perhaps the best part of the evening are the viewing packages we will be offering. There will be several versions but all will include wine from Capo Creek Winery and a custom selected charcuterie board. This is sure to make the evening even more special.
Please open your heart by making a donation and then mark your calendar to join us on March 6. The virtual celebration is free for everyone.
Details on the appeal, the celebration, silent auction and the viewing packages can be found at www.wdsra.com.
