American Legion to help injured member
The Lake Zurich American Legion will conduct the largest fundraiser of its history to raise money for one of its own this September.
The Sept. 22 event will benefit 15-year legion member Brian Korotka of Wauconda, who broke his neck in a car accident in March. Korotka is paralyzed from the chest down and has limited movement in his left arm.
The goal of the event is to raise roughly $70,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for Korotka, said Joe Grover, commander of the Lake Zurich Legion Post 964.
The legion has never raised more than $1,000 at any event in years of hosting pancake breakfasts, bingo nights and benefits to support community programs, Grover said.
"This is a big one because he's done so much for the post," he said. "He's done a lot for the community, too. He got the Toys for Tots going. With his help, we had probably the largest fundraiser for Toys for Tots that our post never even thought we could do."
Korotka also spearheaded the corn roast for the Lions Club's Alpine Fest. The club is donating proceeds from the corn roast to the legion, Grover said.
Legion officials say they will be asking area businesses to donate whatever they can or to purchase a raffle ticket. Several organizations have stepped forward to help, including Lake Zurich's police and fire departments and the Wauconda Gun Club.
Korotka, 51, a 12-year veteran of the Marine Corps who flew cargo planes during Vietnam, recently served as the legion's finance officer. He was touched by the legion's efforts to help him.
"We've never done anything like that during all my time there," he said. "I'm humbled that they would do this for me. They're a bunch of great people. They are my home away from home."
Korotka said he plans to attend legion meetings again if he is able to purchase a van.
"I'm just living the same life that I had … I'm just doing it from a set of wheels now," he said.
Korotka's spirit is what inspires fellow legion members.
"He has an attitude that you wouldn't believe," said Korotka's best friend, George Criel, 62, a legion trustee. "He's really got a great sense of humor."
Legion officials hope to raise as much money as they can through donations to get Korotka the van, as he has plenty of other medical expenses to worry about. They anticipate roughly 200 people will attend the fundraiser.
The event includes a silent auction, reverse raffle, live entertainment, hors d' oeuvres and raffle drawing for a 55-inch Sony WEGA rear projection television screen or $1,500 cash.
Raffle tickets are available at the legion hall and at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce office for a donation of $10 each or six tickets for $50. For more information or to make a donation, call the legion at (847) 438-9477.