Spaghetti dinner fundraiser, raffle to raise awareness about dwarfism
Little People of America Windy City Chapter 54 invites the public to learn about dwarfism while enjoying a spaghetti dinner and raffle. The event will be from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Living Hope Church, 777 S. Meacham Road, Elk Grove Village.
LPA is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride little people's contribution to social diversity. LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families.
All proceeds will help LPA Windy City Chapter continue and expand its events and activities, which help people with dwarfism in the Chicagoland area to connect with each other.
Samyuktha Gumidyala, vice president of LPA Windy City Chapter explained how important LPA has been to her and her family.
"I was born in India and came to the United States with my mom at the age of 1½. At first, my mom was very scared and struggled to get the medical knowledge and proper resources about how to raise a child with dwarfism. After joining LPA shortly afterward, she was able to get all of the information she needed and we are forever grateful to LPA for that. I gained lifelong friendships and mentors and we continue to connect and support each other. Knowing that there were other people like me gave me the confidence to know that I can do just about anything," Gumidyala stated.
After attendees enjoy a dinner consisting of spaghetti, salad, breadsticks and dessert, they may purchase raffle tickets for various prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes include a Nate Jones autographed baseball from the Chicago White Sox, smartphones, restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, water park passes and much more.
In addition, a display with resources materials will and answer commonly asked questions about dwarfism and dismantle common misconceptions. Members of the LPA Windy City Chapter will also be available to answer additional questions.
"Dwarfism awareness is very important because we want society to know that despite our short stature, we are just like everyone else and can live normal successful lives. Society needs to be aware of issues affecting people with dwarfism and help find the proper solutions so that we can continue to integrate well in society," said Gumidyala.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and free for children under 4. For questions or to purchase tickets, contact Krystle Ansay at (847) 529-8382 or lpawindycity@gmail.com.