A Special Place's 'The Little Mermaid Jr.' takes to the stage on March 4

Those looking to support a good cause while enjoying an entertaining night out should head to Compass Church in Naperville on March 4 for a very special performance of A Special Place's "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Since 2012, A Special Place has provided opportunities for those living with disabilities to make friends and have a good time. The 501(c)(3) hosts a multitude of events - including summer exercise programs such as yoga in park and an annual stage production - and advocates for the creation of supportive housing. The organization is also looking forward to once again offering Saturday Night Hang Outs for festivities including Halloween, the Super Bowl and New Year's Eve as COVID restrictions ease. The organization's theater program is one of its most important programs, as it provides an outlet for those who utilize A Special Place's services to express themselves as well as develop their language skills, self-confidence and stage presence. Over the years, productions have continued to grow and evolve, much to the benefit of all involved.

"Every year their voices are louder, and their smiles are bigger," said Cheryl Butler, President of A Special Place.

"The Little Mermaid Jr." cast members and volunteers have been hard at work since August to put on A Special Place's latest production. The cast, which consists of members ages 3 to 28, have been rehearsing every Thursday evening since the summer to make the play a smashing success. Many parents and volunteers have also been working tirelessly to build sets, make costumes and run sound and lighting to make sure the production goes off without a hitch. The evening kicks off with a delicious meal courtesy of VAI's ITALIAN INSPIRED KITCHEN + BAR, followed by the live performance. The event is truly a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved as well as an opportunity for A Special Place cast members to showcase their talents to friends, family, and audience members.

"It really is an unforgettable evening for all," said Butler.

Events like "The Little Mermaid Jr." are not possible without the generous support of donors such as Gerald Auto Group, which has been a longtime supporter of A Special Place. Thanks to their and others' contributions, A Special Place is able to continue offering programs at no cost to all participants, despite higher operating costs in 2022 due to COVID-19.

"We're thrilled to continue supporting A Special Place and the work they do," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of The Gerald Auto Group. "They fill a vital need in the community, and we couldn't be more pleased to watch them continue to grow."

To purchase tickets to "The Little Mermaid Jr.," contact cheryl@asp4us.org.

To learn more about Gerald Cares, visit https://geraldcares.tumblr.com.