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Local teacher's efforts offer a lesson in giving

Lori Anderson's favorite leisure activity is focusing on the welfare of children and adults with special needs.

"I have been a child advocate all my life," the Arlington Heights resident said. "I believe our children's and senior citizens' needs are not always considered first. Someone needs to speak for them."

Over the years, Anderson has demonstrated her concern not only by being involved in numerous community organizations, but also by encouraging family members and students at Grove Avenue School in Barrington, where she has taught for 12 years, to do the same.

Anderson has given her time to a number of causes-- she volunteered for 10 years on the Arlington Heights Youth Commission, was a peer jury member for eight years and spent seven years as a Girl Scout master.

But Northwest Special Recreation Association, a Rolling Meadows group that provides recreational services to people with disabilities, holds a special place in Anderson's heart. Over the past 18 years she has devoted countless hours of time and energy to the cause.

"Lori was one of the founding mothers of our annual fashion show and currently serves as a committee member," foundation coordinator Nannette Sowa said, referring to Anderson's work on the Gold Medal Fashion Show, a fundraiser that features Special Olympics athletes as models.

"She is a terrific volunteer and I don't know what we'd do without her," Sowa said.

Anderson has helped the event grow from modest beginnings. More than 750 are expected to attend the next show on Feb. 24.

"The fashion show is a way of highlighting the accomplishments of the kids," Anderson said. "We are so very proud of them."

Anderson and her husband, Bill, have a son, Billy, who has been a Special Olympics athlete for 20 years. He has participated in basketball, bowling and volleyball. He has gone on to volunteer at Rolling Meadows High School for the last eight years.

"I am so thankful that we have organizations like NWSRA that allow our children and young adults to be successful and happy at recreational activities," Anderson said.

Northwest Special Recreation Association serves 16 park districts in the northwest suburbs and is committed to providing quality recreation programs and facilities for the people with disabilities. The group also offers summer day camps and a day program for adults with developmental disabilities.

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