Volunteers come out to Sugar Grove AID telethon

Lynn O'Shea knows firsthand the problems charitable organizations are facing in a worsening economy.

The president of the Kane County-based Association for Individual Development said her group, which serves more than 4,200 clients with a variety of developmental disabilities, faces a $700,000 shortfall this year in its $22 million budget.

"We wouldn't have even imagined that sort of number," said O'Shea, adding that the group has had to cut some of its physical therapy and occupational therapy programs.

On Saturday, staff members, volunteers and other well-wishers spent the day chipping in as part of the group's 10th annual telethon at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.

Organizers hope the event - which was broadcast over local cable access channels and included talent showcases and interviews with clients and staff members - can net the group $125,000.

Volunteers and supporters of the program spent the day filling in some of the airtime in the 10-hour telethon.

Nikki Cull, 17, first began performing at one of AID's centers when she was 11. The Dixon, Ill., native spent the morning playing her guitar and singing.

"I've been involved in this group for so long that I just wanted to give something back," Cull said.

Jan Peters, owner of the Blue Shirt studio in Yorkville, spent the morning showcasing some artwork from AID clients who she works with at her studio.

And Lisa Egner, an employee with the community college who works with some of the school's disabled students as an accommodations specialist, spent part of her day volunteering and being interviewed by telethon organizers about her work.

"These are a dedicated group of people," Egner said. "It's an honor to help out in any way I can."