Shining Star Ball celebrates 30 years of helping Clearbrook
Clearbrook's Shining Star Ball celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, and its mission to raise funds to help more than 8,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities remains as vital as ever.
More than 300 guests are expected to attend the black-tie event on April 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, including members of the Chicago Bears organization and the co-founders of Crate & Barrel, among other notables. The cost to attend is $500.
The event has grown so successful over the years, drawing the support of committed major donors, that it regularly brings in more than $1 million in proceeds.
"Funds raised at this event helps differentiate Clearbrook," said Tony Di Vittorio, president of the Arlington Heights-based organization. "It's really significant and so humbling that this kind of generosity makes all our work possible."
Proceeds from the gala are earmarked to help support Clearbrook's wide network of residential facilities - located in 22 communities across the suburbs - as well as its array of therapies for its clients.
"The state does not cover the cost of clinical services that we're able to provide," Di Vittorio said in reference to physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapies. "These services enable our clients to live longer, quality lives in the community."
At the center of the evening will be David Riley of Barrington, who is being honored for his service to Clearbrook. He chaired the agency's board of directors for six years and continues to serve on its finance committee and chair its major gifts committee.
"He brings a CEO mind to our board, and he's really coached me as a new president," said Di Vittorio, now in his second year of guiding Clearbrook.
Riley co-founded and served as president and CEO of the Middleby Corporation, which manufactures commercial restaurant equipment. He has served on Clearbrook's board for more than 20 years.
"It's a service that most people don't understand," Riley says. "We're not asking people to donate to cure a disease. There is no cure for people we serve. But through the depth and breadth of Clearbrook's services, we change (clients') lives - and change the lives of their families."
Riley became involved when his brother-in-law needed residential care. He was nearly 50 years old and had only lived with his parents before moving into a group home in Streamwood shared by six men.
"We were really concerned," Riley said. "Steve's nonverbal. We wondered how he would get along with the other guys."
The transition went smoothly. He has lived with four of the same men for more than 15 years, now in a group home in Elk Grove Village.
Steve also works at Clearbrook's sheltered workshop in Rolling Meadows while enjoying regular outings in the community, from bowling to movie nights to shopping trips to Woodfield Mall.
"They're a real family. They've bonded and they take care of each other," Riley said. "He's as happy as he could possibly be."
Look for more of these stories to be shared at the event, where supporters learn more of how Clearbrook aims to create innovative opportunities for its clients of all ages.
The black-tie gala begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 7:30 p.m. Music will be provided by The Dan Hayes Orchestra until 11:30 p.m.
A highlight of the evening is a raffle featuring a chance to win $5,000 cash and a $1,000 gift card to Crate & Barrel. Raffle tickets are $50 each or 6 for $250. Winner need not be present.
For tickets or more information, call (847) 385-5012 or visit www.clearbrook.org/event/ssb/.