Party for special kids a big hit

Every day officials with Wheeling Township in Arlington Heights receive donations for an upcoming event that more and more people want to be a part of: the Halloween Fun Fair for children with disabilities.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Riley School, 1209 E. Burr Oak Drive, Arlington Heights.

As always, admission for the event is simple: children should come dressed in costume -- and bring their smiles.

Once guests enter the party, they have their picture taken by members of the Arlington Heights Women's Club, who return each year for the bash. Next, they enter the gym, decorated in a fun and spooky way and filled with games, prizes, balloon artists, and clowns.

Families enjoy a pizza lunch after the games, and then children have their pick of even more prizes to go with their goody bags on the way out.

While the event is thrown for children with special needs, their siblings and families are welcome as well. Typically, officials say, it draws 175 people, including nearly 70 children with disabilities.

"I know there are more children with special needs out there," said Sue Ellen Burlini, Wheeling Township's disabilities coordinator, "but we have a difficult time getting the word out there about the party."

Word has traveled fast, however, among volunteers. On average, it draws more than 100 people to help out in organizing the party.

"All games are created by local Scout troops and American Legion groups," Burlini said.

But that's just the beginning of a list of donators, who range from individuals, to local companies -- including Wa-Pa-Ghetti's Pizza in Wheeling which donates some of the pizza -- to elected officials.

The township's Advisory Council on Disabilities mounts the party each year. What started out 13 years ago as a Make A Difference Day project, continues to tie in with the national effort, but increasingly it has become an event that brings community groups together in support of families with special children.

"Our idea was to provide a safe, accessible place for children to come for a fun outing," Burlini said. "But what we're finding is that it's one of the few outlets for families to enjoy together, and that they look forward to this all year long."