Elgin special needs group hopes to top 2008 fundraising amount
An Elgin-based group that helps children and adults with special needs hopes to top 2008's fundraising goal this coming weekend.
The Association for Individual Development, or AID, will hold its 10th annual telethon from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
AID has more than 20 different programs offered to help disabled adults and children in the Fox Valley area.
"Our mission as an organization is to try an empower people with disabilities," said Alex Harris, AID's communications coordinator. "Our goal is to get them out in the community and integrated into society."
Last year's event raised just less than $100,000. This year's target is $125,000.
"We have a couple different fundraisers each year," Harris said. "This is the biggest."
The 10-hour marathon will feature talent showcases, interviews with AID staff, clients and supporters, contests, and special events, including food demonstrations.
The Ambassadors of AID, who are people who have helped themselves through the nonprofit group, also will be on hand to share their stories of hope and inspiration.
Geneva's Mayor Kevin Burns, who has served as an emcee at past events, will make his debut has a guest host.
"I've experienced nothing but pure joy in supporting the good work of AID. I'm flattered to be invited again to assist," Burns said. "With today's discerning donor, AID is one of the best, the money goes exactly to where it's intended."
The event will be carried live on Comcast channels 17 and 99 or Mediacom channel 15.
Call (630) 466-2494 on Saturday to pledge a donation, which is tax deductible.
AID provides programs for 4,200 individuals and has been serving the Fox Valley area for more than 45 years.
Different levels of sponsorships are still available. Call (847) 931-2294 for more information.