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Friday, March 29, 2024

Designation of the Dan Casey Activity Center announced at Little Friends 46th Benefit Auction

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Above / The aerial shot shows the building recently purchased by Little Friends on property located at 27545 Diehl Road in Warrenville, just east of the current Little Friends Center for Autism. (Photo courtesy Little Friends)

On behalf of the children and adults served by Little Friends, their families, and  employees, the nonprofit organization has extended much gratitude to more than 450 in attendance at the 46th Benefit Auction held earlier this month. 

When the night ended, a record amount of donations had been generated to help Little Friends move forward with new and existing programs for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.  

While the final tally is still being calculated, the net impact of the evening’s generosity on the organization will be significant. And the tribute to Dan Casey that had been decided before the auction received resounding applause and appreciation.

Activity Center named to honor dedication of Dan Casey

Dan Casey (PN Photo)

During this gathering of friendship and advocacy, President and CEO Mike Briggs announced that the activity center at the new adult programming facility, to be created at the building recently purchased at 27545 Diehl Road in Warrenville, will be named the “Dan Casey Activity Center.”

A longtime supporter of Little Friends, Dan Casey, passed away earlier this year.  For more than 15 years, Casey had been a notable champion of the organization, serving nearly 14 years on the Little Friends Board of Directors, with four years as Chairman. Casey’s dedication and contributions will be recognized to ensure his support remains a legacy, with the activity center appropriately named in his honor.

One-hundred percent of the donations received from the paddle raise at this year’s auction will go directly to the renovation and technology support costs to help open the new center.

“Dan was prideful of our work and especially was touched by the adults we serve at spectrum,” noted Briggs in his remarks at the auction. “He loved to visit our adult program and would always suggest visiting our adult program to those who wanted to learn more about our work.”

Briggs continued, “We want to recognize Dan’s contributions and ensure that his support remains a legacy with the activity center appropriately named in his honor.”

Renovation work is underway on this project, and the facility is anticipated to open later this year right next to the current Little Friends Center for Autism, located at 27555 Diehl Road.

Little Friends Center for Autism is located at 27555 Diehl Road, just west of the recently purchased property that will be home to the Dan Casey Activity Center. (PN Photo)

One more thing… April is Autism Acceptance Month

Recognizing Autism Acceptance instead of Autism Awareness is a shift in perspective recognizing neurodiversity and contributions made by all in the autism community. The world would be dull if everyone were the same, so let’s celebrate everyone’s differences, talents, and gifts!

For more than 58 years, Little Friends has been a leader in supporting those individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. As the need for services has grown, with 1 in 44 children now diagnosed with autism, programs at Little Friends have expanded. Therapies and social groups, school and family respite programs, and vocational and residential opportunities for those with autism can be found at Little Friends, all initiatives that help lead to more more acceptance.

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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