South Barrington residents honored at Clearbrook gala fundraiser
Traditionally, Clearbrook's Shining Star Ball raises money for the more than 3,000 children and adults with disabilities that the Arlington Heights agency serves.
At Friday night's gala, held at the Four Seasons in Chicago, nine adult clients with disabilities brought home the importance of the agency's mission.
More than 300 people attended the black-tie event, and while they bid on exotic trips and even a yacht trip off the Caribbean, the chance to raise their paddles in support of those nine clients drew widespread support.
"These clients are in jeopardy of losing their funding from the state," said Gloria Drake, special events planner for Clearbrook. "They all are in our employment services program and are facing losing their jobs, with nowhere to go. Everyone can relate to that these days."
Guests did. They bid $85,000 for those nine clients alone.
Donors included some of Chicago's most prominent business leaders, including Ellen Costello, CEO of Harris Bank; Andrew McKenna, chairman of McDonald's; Pat Ryan, retired executive chairman of Aon Corp. and former chairman of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid committee; as well as Richard and Peggy Notebaert.
Ravi Baichwal, weekend anchor with ABC 7, returned to emcee the evening. He shared the podium with Clearbrook President Carl La Mell, who presented the agency's highest honor, its Shining Star Award, to Dave and Linda Riley of South Barrington.
"They are unique in that both of them have been equally involved," La Mell said. "Both have been true champions in support of people with disabilities."
Dave Riley has served on the board of trustees, including six years as president, and he urged guests to be generous.
"Think of clients who no longer have parents, with no funding," he said. "Where will they go? That's the predicament we're faced with."
Linda Riley's brother, Steve Wessels, lives in one of Clearbrook's group homes in Rolling Meadows and works in the agency's adult workshop in Palatine, doing light packaging and sorting for businesses such as Crate & Barrel.
"He has a full life," she said. "With the day programming, social opportunities and living with five other Clearbrook residents, he has a home life. We're eternally grateful."
La Mell described the ball as Clearbrook's biggest fundraiser, which consistently draws some of the city and suburbs' major donors. Its proceeds are earmarked for Clearbrook's clinical services, from occupational, physical, speech and language therapies to behavioral programming and counseling.
"Our clinic is one of our program that sets us apart," La Mell said. "But this year's proceeds are more important than ever. Without a doubt they will help us reduce layoffs in some positions."