Clearbrook gala raises $1.3 million
A crowd of Chicago's elite mixed and mingled at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for Clearbrook's 29th annual Shining Star Ball.
Approximately 300 people were welcomed by emcee and radio personality Roe Conn at the annual black-tie gala Friday, April 28, which benefitted more than 8,000 children and adults with disabilities served by Clearbrook.
This year's ball honored former Clearbrook President and CEO Carl M. La Mell for his 21 years of work in helping children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
The ball raised more than $1.3 million, which will help underwrite Clearbrook's residential and day programs as well as the Clearbrook Clinic. Last year, the clinic provided more than 20,000 hours of services to individuals with developmental challenges in the areas of occupational, physical, speech and language therapies, along with counseling, behavioral supports and psychological consultations.
"The Shining Star Ball has been Clearbrook's premier fundraising event since its inception," said Clearbrook President Tony Di Vitorrio.
"This year was very special as we honored Carl. Through Carl's innovative ideas and actions, Clearbrook has become an organization that is recognized and looked to as a leader in the field of serving people with disabilities."
The elegant evening began with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner, live auction, reverse auction and drawing for the $5,000 cash raffle prize. Music was provided by The Dan Hayes Orchestra.
About Clearbrook
Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook was founded in 1955 and has since evolved into a recognized leader in the field of intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Today, Clearbrook creates innovative opportunities for children and adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy - as well as their families.
Clearbrook provides personalized children's, adult day, employment, residential and clinical services at more than 50 locations throughout the Chicago area. In addition, Clearbrook is the largest provider of home-based services in the state of Illinois.
Clearbrook employs more than 900 people and reports that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services.
For information, visit clearbrook.org.
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