Friends rally around Rolling Meadows shooting victim with fundraiser

As a Rolling Meadows High School student, Chelsea Black played tennis, badminton, basketball and softball. She dazzled on stage in a variety of shows. When friends and family think of Chelsea, they immediately think of her passion for song. In recent years, she tried out for "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent," her audacious demeanor always driving her to improve upon her natural talent.

Life took a turn for Chelsea on Nov. 4, when in the wee hours of the night, four gunshots rang out in the neighborhood of Belmont-Cragin. Chelsea, riding back from visiting a friend, was caught in the crossfire. One of the bullets tore through Chelsea's spine and neck muscles, instantly robbing her of her capability to perform very basic functions like breathing, speaking and walking.

Today Chelsea, 20, is a survivor, a fighter and a quadriplegic.

Since that fateful night, she has been hard at work, making strides in rehab. She has regained the ability to speak in short amounts of time without the support of the ventilator, a feat her doctors initially told her was not possible. While her dreams have shifted, she is more determined than ever to sing again, and to one day, walk again.

Her friends also have been hard at work, creating the Chelsea Black Trust to absorb some of the costs from the mounting medical bills. It was a joint effort between two Arlington Heights families and the attorneys at DKM&O of Arlington Heights, who donated their time and expertise.

The families and a committee of their friends are now taking the next step by hosting a fundraising concert Sunday, June 11, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. All proceeds go to Chelsea's trust.

"Chelsea's Dream" is an inspirational concert event featuring special guests Michael Ingersoll of the "Jersey Boys" and Angela Ingersoll of the "End of The Rainbow." Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

"We want to bring people together to celebrate what Chelsea has already achieved, and raise as much money as possible for Chelsea's Trust," says Sue Dungan, one of the organizers.

Chelsea's Dream will kick off with a silent auction, and a live auction will take place during the show.

Tickets can be purchased at https://chelseasdream.ticketspice.com/chelseas-dream.

Monetary donations can be directed to: Chelsea Black Trust, MB Financial Bank N.A., Attention: Trust Department, 1400 Sixteenth St., Oak Brook, IL 60523. For donations in a form other than a check, contact MB Financial at (630) 203-2742