WDSRA fundraiser support welcomed

The second annual Ss. Peter & Paul School volleyball fundraiser in support of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) was an even bigger success than the first. WDSRA would like to thank Mary Ellen Whelan for taking the lead again this year, plus Frank Glowaty, Mike Chiarito, John Larson, Brad Keyes, Joe Fuller, the Athletic Association, Mike Rafferty and all the 8th grade coaches and players who rallied around the cause. We are very grateful for all their efforts.

WDSRA is also thankful to have been allowed the opportunity to provide half-time speakers. Tyler Gedvilas, Ss. Peter & Paul alumni and assistant coach of a WDSRA Special Olympics volleyball team, shared his experiences and introduced several members of his team. Some of the athletes said a few words and proudly displayed their trophy. One of the parents of a Special Olympics athlete also spoke about the positive impact that WDSRA makes on the lives of people.

Curtis Lease, two-time Paralympic athlete and member of the U.S. sitting volleyball team, spoke about how WDSRA supports athletes with physical disabilities and demonstrated some of the techniques used to play sitting volleyball. Students were profoundly impacted when invited to play a sitting volleyball game.

I would like to thank all of the families that made a contribution just by being there. I was truly touched by all the fans that gave their support, many who gave more than the $2 admissions fee. And special thanks to the Athletic Association, which matched the contributions with a $500 donation. Everyone's generosity added up to a $1,300 contribution made to WDSRA. I both personally and professionally thank everyone who supported this fundraiser in any way.

Sharon J. Gedvilas

WDSRA superintendent of finance and personnel

Carol Stream