Gala raises funds for DuPage Special Recreation Association

When the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association held its recent Pearls of the Orient fundraiser earlier this month, the event brought the tastes and décor of the Far East to Glen Ellyn.

The annual dinner and auction also marked the 15th Anniversary of the WDSRA Foundation, which helps fund programs and services for children and adults with disabilities living in western DuPage County.

"It's a terrific organization which provides quality programming for an extensive group of people," said Sherry Manschot, WDSRA's marketing and public relations manager.

Event organizers hoped to raise enough money to ensure that WDSRA programs -- which served more than 8,000 people last year -- continue to be affordable.

The Asian theme was reflected in the decor, meal, entertainment and the auction and raffle prizes with spectacular, colorful kites and fish, many of which were hand-painted by WDSRA clients. Each table featured a centerpiece representing a different country and the cuisine included Asian favorites such as egg rolls and fortune cookies.

Entertainment was provided by an Indonesian dancer, a Chinese guitarist and a calligrapher. Guests also were treated to a performance of the dramatic, traditional Lion Dance.

Auction prizes included a framed, autographed Brett Favre jersey, as well as items autographed by 'tween queen Miley Cyrus -- perhaps better known as Hannah Montana -- and Chicago Bears player Devin Hester.

Guests also were able to contribute to the worthy cause and "Raise the Paddle," which allowed them to make a donation that would directly benefit WDSRA's Rec and Roll program.

"It's in the middle of the live auction," organizer Cindy Allston said.

The Rec and Roll Program is geared to WDSRA clients who have graduated high school and are unemployed.

Rec and Roll keeps clients mentally stimulated so they will not forget all the daily living skills they have learned.

"If you don't use it, you lose it," added Sonaco.

The program provides instruction on a wide variety of things, including cooking skills, letter writing, computer skills and even how to check out books from the library.

"These are all the things we take for granted," Sonaco said.

The need for this and other programs like it is growing, according to WDSRA's Day Program Manager Dori Sonaco.

"They (the disabled) are leaving high school, and it's a whole new scenario," she said. "Once they get out of high school, there are not a lot of programs. Often, there's not a lot for them as far as jobs or activities."

Last year's "Raise the Paddle" donations helped buy uniforms for WDSRA's Special Olympics basketball team and a sound system for the organization.

Sonaco hopes that this year's proceeds will allow WDSRA to purchase new equipment to teach money management and other living skills and hire teachers and instructors for programs. Funds also will be used to provide scholarships.

"Some of these participants are on fixed incomes," Sonaco said, "and some can't afford to be in the program."

Event organizers also presented the Hall of Fame Award to the Naperville Exchange Club for its donations to WDSRA over the past nine years, which total $66,500.

Manschot hopes that people will contribute to WDSRA because we are all touched in some way by those who have disabilities.

"Whether you have a family member with a disability, or just happen into someone with a disability when you are grocery shopping, disabilities are a way of life for all of us."

For details, visit www.wdsra.com or call (630) 681-0962.