Recreation group celebrates ability at gala

An 18-year-old teen from Mount Prospect helped kick off the "Celebrate Ability" dinner and auction Friday at the Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows.

Cory Bollettino sang "Hey," the Latin pop song by Julio Iglesias, as part of the Northwest Special Recreation Association's annual gala dinner, designed as a colorful Mexican fiesta party.

The talented high school senior often performs at their events and displays his piano ability at an annual spring talent show.

As a teen who is visually impaired, he demonstrates the wide ranging abilities of participants enrolled in Northwest Special Recreation's programs, which was just the point at this event.

Along with Bollettino's performance, the 370 guests -- including business leaders from Square D, ComEd, and Northwest Community Hospital, as well as other supporters -- viewed a Power Point presentation called "Growing up with NWSRA."

"Some of our participants have been enrolled in our programs for literally their whole lives," said Nanette Sowa of Northwest Special Recreation Association.

Greg Campone, 23, of Long Grove has benefited from its social and recreational programs since he was a young teen. Born with cerebral palsy, he now enjoys Northwest Special Recreation Association's social outings, including its regular dinners, movies and trips.

"They have helped give him a sense of autonomy, and a firm grounding in creating his own peer group," said his father, Tom, who with his wife, Silvia, were honorary chairpersons.

Northwest Special Recreation Association serves children and adults with disabilities in 16 Northwest suburban communities. Its classes range from bowling, swimming and crafts, to piano and voice lessons, to horseback riding and summer camps.

Proceeds from Friday's events were earmarked to support funding inclusion, scholarships, accessible vehicles, Special Olympics and general programming.