Fundraiser Thursday for Streamwood girl with cerebral palsy

Heritage Elementary School in Streamwood is hosting a fundraiser Thursday for a student in need of a wheelchair-accessible van.

Proceeds from the "Family Movie Night" will help the family of Riley Woznicki, a first-grader with spastic cerebral palsy, toward the purchase of a new van.

The Woznickis have raised nearly $18,000 in three fundraisers since June. A new van with wheelchair accessibility could cost up to $50,000. The family has tried for two years to win a wheelchair-accessible van through the National Mobility contest, but Riley lost out in the semifinal round this year.

Riley, 6, is the only one at her school in a wheelchair. Riley's first-grade teacher, Karen Whitenack, other teachers and students are helping organize Thursday's fundraiser.

There will be a showing of "Bee Movie" at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the school at 507 Arnold Ave. A suggested $2 donation will be collected at the door. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and pillow, and all children must be accompanied by a parent.

The school's parent-teacher organization will sell popcorn, pizza and beverages. There will be a gift basket raffle with tickets sold at the door for $1 each or six tickets for $5.

Donations for Riley also are also accepted through the online fundraising website gofundme.com/GoRiley.