A Chicago-based fundraiser will benefit families in the Northwest suburbs for the first time this year, organizers said.
Newsapalooza, an annual benefit concert hosted by Chicago radio personality Roe Conn, this year plans to donate funds to Clearbrook, the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit that provides opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The money will go to help families around the Northwest suburbs, who often give back to the organization themselves.
Dan Hoeg, 81 of Mount Prospect, has a daughter who has been involved with programming through Clearbook for 20 years and he has been a volunteer for just as long. He said that with decreased state funding for programs like Clearbrook, he's afraid of what would happen to his daughter.
"As we grew older there was barely a life for Susie at home," Hoeg said. "Clearbrook has meant all the difference in the world for her. I don't know what we would do without them."
Board member Steve Sayre said Clearbook has not only helped his autistic son find productive activities to do, but helped his family connect with other families in similar situations.
"For parents it can be pretty isolating because your kid is on a different track, so bringing people with different kinds of disabilities together is very important for the whole family," Sayre said.
The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are on sale for $100 each and can be bought online at www.clearbrook.org.
