Clearbrook names building for Linda and David Riley

Clearbrook is naming a Schaumburg building in honor of Linda and David Riley of South Barrington, philanthropists who have raised about $1 million and donated considerable time for the organization that helps more than 3,000 developmentally disabled people.

A dedication will be held Oct. 14 at the developmental training building, 1425 Payne Road in Schaumburg.

In developmental training adults learn skills for socialization and community participation. The program includes art, music, fitness, meal preparation and trips.

Linda Riley’s brother, Steve Wessels, lives in a Clearbrook group home, and one advantage is he is driven every Sunday to visit his mother, Helen, at Luther Village in Arlington Heights. His father, Paul, is deceased.

While moving to different states Linda Riley was always seeking a program for her brother.

“My best hope was that my brother would have a life that would meet his special needs — his daytime, recreational and residential needs. I have never found a place like Clearbrook,” she said Tuesday.

David Riley has served three terms as chairman of the Clearbrook board, and Linda has twice co-chaired the Shining Star Ball, the annual gala fundraiser, once with her husband. David is retired as president and chief executive officer of Middleby Corp. in Elgin.

Carl M. La Mell, president of Clearbrook, praised the Rileys for the work they have done on both programs and fundraising in the last 15 years, often giving tours to people they have just met.

“It’s rare that you get a sibling like Linda involved to this extent, and David is the brother-in-law,” said Carl M. La Mell, president

“Usually it’s the parents. The Rileys serve pretty equally, and they do it as a couple.”