Giant Steps to hold 20th charity auction
Giant Steps celebrates the 20th anniversary of its charity auction in April during Autism Awareness Month by holding its largest fundraiser of the year.
The mission-driven event will be from 6 to 11 p.m. April 23 at Bobak's Signature Room, 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge. Tickets start at $150 for adults and $60 for children younger than 12, and will increase March 25 to $175 for adults and $75 for children.
Participation in the event means support for Giant Steps as well as Canopy at Rich Harvest Farms, where Giant Steps operates an adult day program. Giant Steps serves both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Guests will enjoy appetizers, plated dinner, live music from One Night Band, live and silent auctions, games, raffles, open bar, and the company of more than 600 guests. This year's guest speaker, Giant Steps graduate Ann Hamlin, presents a platform to advocate for all those with autism and especially those who are nonverbal.
Families are encouraged to participate with their loved ones and community members are invited to attend and learn more about the Giant Steps mission. Corporations can mix and mingle with local movers and shakers, networking and sharing in the goodwill.
"While our therapeutic day school is located in Lisle, we serve students with autism from over 60 districts in Illinois," Development Manager Jamie O'Young says. "Additionally, our training team works locally and nationally to ensure others are better educated about serving those with autism.
"It is heartwarming to know that our neighbors in the Western suburbs, and all around the Chicago area, support the great work that our staff, students and parents are achieving together."
Dan Dahlke, vice present of operations, adds, "In addition to our school and programs at Giant Steps, we're thrilled to talk about our new project, Canopy at Rich Harvest Farms.
"We are so grateful to Jerry Rich, the Rich Family and the Rich Harvest Farms staff for opening their estate to the young adults with autism who have nowhere to go after aging out of school services at 22 years old.
"Giant Steps is currently operating an adult day program out at Rich Harvest Farms, Main Street in Sugar Grove, and here at our Lisle location that engages young adults with autism in a variety of vocational and leisure opportunities.
"Our long-term goal is to build an intentional community on this unique estate, with Mr. Rich having already donated the necessary land for the project."
Participation in The Twentieth is easy. Purchase a ticket or table, donate, sponsor, and/or share. For tickets and more information, contact www.mygiantsteps.org/the-twentieth. Contact the development department by emailing joyoung@mygiantsteps.org or calling (630) 864-8305.
For information about Giant Steps, visit www.mygiantsteps.org.