Center for Enriched Living competing to win $100,000 grant from the Bears, asking supporters to vote by Monday

The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) is in the heat of a campaign to get enough votes to win a $100,000 grant from the Chicago Bears. As part of their 100th season celebration this year, the Bears are awarding $1 million to charities that make a positive impact in Chicagoland and Illinois. The team already has chosen nine organizations that will each receive $100,000 as part of the Community All-Pros program. A 10th charity also will be awarded, and that one is being determined by an online fan vote that began Sept. 16 and concludes on Sept. 23.

CEL was honored to be selected as one of three nonprofits being considered for the 10th spot. The organization encourages supporters to go to www.chicagobears.com/community/all-pros to cast a vote for CEL

All votes must be in by noon on Monday.

The charity that gets the most votes will be recognized during the Dec. 22nd Bears vs. Chiefs game and will receive the grant at that time. The two that are not chosen will each get $10,000 from the Bears.

CEL provides life-changing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving them the chance to be fully included in the community so they can achieve personal fulfillment and enjoy a good quality of life. CEL provides social events, day programs and employment opportunities for hundreds of people a year. If the organization wins the Chicago Bears grant, it will use some of the funds to expand its employment program, so more people can find meaningful work in the community. The unemployment rate among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a staggering 85 percent.

Most of CEL's programs take place at its facility in Riverwoods. The organization serves people from at least 50 Chicago-area communities. To learn more, visit www.CenterforEnrichedLiving.org.