Donation helps local arts organization

Ryan Delp, an insurance agent at Bradish Associates Ltd. in Arlington Heights, presented a check for $3,200 to The Arts of Life organization on Thursday, May 18.

The award came from the charitable foundation of Socius Insurance Services Inc., based in Elgin, Illinois.

Socius is a wholesale brokerage firm that Bradish works alongside to serve clients. Delp nominated The Arts of Life to receive the funds, and the organization was selected as a recipient for 2017.

Delp delivered the check to the Chicago studio of The Arts of Life at a small reception to mark the occasion.

"We are always looking for opportunities to advocate for our clients, especially not-for-profit organizations, which can certainly put to good use new sources of funding," said Delp.

The Arts of Life has a Chicago studio at 2010 W. Carroll Ave., and a North Shore studio at 1963 Johns Drive in Glenview. Launched in 2000, the organization's vision was "to create a working, person-centric, artistic community that provided a work environment of equality."

In this community of artists, made up of people with and without disabilities, individual members have an equal voice as they collaborate to build community and achieve artistic and personal development goals. The Arts of Life was the first program in Chicago to create a creative artistic community for adults with developmental disabilities. Funded partly by the Department of Human Services, The Arts of Life also greatly depends on fundraising and grants.

"The Arts of Life truly appreciates the support from Bradish Associates and the Socius foundation," said Sara Bemer, development manager. "We recognize that state funding is growing less and less reliable, so we are motivated to help not-for-profit organizations when we become aware of opportunities for support. We appreciate the generosity of Socius in granting this award," Delp added.

Bradish Associates is a family-owned, independent insurance agency. Established in 1980, its ongoing mission is to focus on finding the best insurance policies to meet the unique needs of each client, whether a business, nonprofit organization, an individual or a family. Bradish also seeks ways to look out for the interests of the community at large, including organizations such as The Arts of Life. Bradish Associates is at 215 N. Arlington Heights Rd., in Arlington Heights. To learn more, visit www.bradish.com.

Visit artsoflife.org to learn more about The Arts of Life.