A Place to Belong campaign exceeds goal, raises $2.2 million

Today marks the close of Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association Foundation's A Place to Belong Capital Campaign. En route to surpassing its goal, the campaign has successfully raised $2.2 million.

A Place to Belong Campaign was made public on Feb. 28, 2020, during a preconstruction tour for NSSRA families and supporters, just a few weeks before COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 posed, the Campaign resumed in July and recently reached its fundraising goal.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, which was the backbone of this successful campaign," said NSSRA Executive Director Craig Culp. "This tremendous accomplishment will create a community resource that our families and supporters will be proud to call their home; we couldn't have done it without them."

Funding from the Campaign has enabled NSSRA to invest in the renovation of the new Highland Park Facility. A Place to Belong campaign supports the renovation of participant spaces, including a courtyard, participant lounge, a great room and four additional multipurpose rooms, fully accessible washrooms, a library, and a teaching kitchen. The renovations will add new programs such as cooking, art, gardening, fitness, an expanded adult day program, and more to NSSRA's diverse program and service offerings.

"We have been inspired as we watched our participants, families, network, friends of NSSRA, and the community come together to support this campaign," said Ed Bettenhausen, NSSRA Foundation President. "A Place to Belong was designed to make a positive impact on all of our participants. Our donors were engaged, our families stepped forward, and we are thrilled to see the benefits of their generosity. This campaign has taken NSSRA to the next level, and we look forward to the next 50 years."

A Place to Belong gifts were raised through generous private donations, family support, and a peer-to-peer fundraising effort that brought the campaign home in the late months. "While Michael and I were the Campaign Co-Chairs, we could not and did not succeed without our amazing campaign committee. Relentless, focused, and determined come to mind. Besides inspiring each other every step of the way, it was humbling to have our communities' enthusiasm for our new home. We are further grateful for the outpouring of support shown by our families, friends, community, partner agencies, staff, and participants who keep us moving forward," said Wendy Rosen, Campaign co-chair.

"We know this is going to be a fantastic year. There is much to be excited about with our new building rehab in full swing and a move-in date set for the fall. Thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible," said Honorary Chair Valerie Slotnick of Northbrook.

Capital Campaign Committee Members: Valerie Slotnick, Northbrook, honorary chair; Wendy and Michael Rosen, Northbrook, co-chairs; Franklin Baumann, Glencoe; Glenn and Sandy Binstein, Glenview; Mike Frazin, Chicago; Randi and Tom Gillespie, Northbrook; Sue & Gregg Hartemayer, Winnetka; Rick LaChapelle, Wilmette; Liza McElroy, Chicago; Barry Slotnick, Glencoe; Ed Bettenhausen, Northbrook, NSSRA Foundation Board president; Johnathan Kiwala, NSSRA Board liaison; Craig Culp, NSSRA executive director.

• NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities. NSSRA is an extension of 10 park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the park districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the village of Riverwoods. NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and has the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country. For more information about NSSRA and the programs and services it provides, visit nssra.org. The NSSRA Foundation, established in 1997, supports the mission of NSSRA by raising and granting supplemental funding throughout the year. Visit nssrafoundation.org.