Culver's of Schaumburg pledges support to secure wheelchair-accessible van for girl with cerebral palsy

Throughout the month of May, Culver's restaurant on Wise Road in Schaumburg has rallied around a little girl with cerebral palsy. The goal: to raise $20,000-the final piece of funding needed to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van for 6-year-old Riley Woznicki of nearby Streamwood.

In what's being referred to as 'The Month For Riley,' Culver's of Schaumburg has earmarked Monday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., as a "Day of Giving for Riley" with 20 percent of sales that day going toward the purchase of the specially equipped van. Since May 1, Culver's has had donation canisters for Riley throughout the restaurant.

Culver's owner Jim DiVerde reached out to area companies in hopes of their pledge of support for Riley throughout the month. With donations from these various local businesses, the restaurant will also be holding a raffle Monday evening.

The Woznicki family has raised nearly $30,000 through a series of fundraisers since last June. A new van with wheelchair accessibility is estimated to 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, who attends Heritage Elementary School in Streamwood, lost out in the semifinal round this year.

"I think anyone who has been blessed with the opportunity to meet Riley understands how life-changing a wheelchair-accessible van would be for her and her family," said DiVerde. "Her upbeat personality is infectious and makes you want to do everything that you can, use as many resources as you can, to help accomplish that goal. It's an honor for Culver's to play a small role and if we can rally other businesses in and around the area, then I am confident that by June 1, the Woznicki family will have the money to purchase a suitable vehicle."