Dundee Township Rotary to throw special Halloween party

For the last 15 years, Dundee Township Rotary Club members have been hosting a Halloween party for disabled and terminally ill people.

Many who have attended were children, but some special needs adults have also enjoyed the festivities. Through the years, there have been stories about how revelers have embraced and congratulated each other for living another year.

Other stories are sprinkled with the anticipation part-goers hold months in advance for the candy-filled seasonal gala.

"Many people really look forward to it," said Al Treml, a Rotary club member. "They come dressed in costume."

Whether they are dressed as their favorite superhero, monster, or themselves, those who attend have a chance to go trick-or-treating and collect as much candy as they can. They, their parents and caregiver will not have to worry about the cold, a dark night, or stairs standing between them and a bag full of treats.

The party is all on one floor and inside a warm building. This year, the Halloween party will be at the Dundee Township Park District Senior Center, routes 68 and 25, from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.

"Years ago, we use to have it at the Holiday Inn hotel in Elgin. The manager there was a (Dundee Township) Rotary Club member who worked at a hotel in Wisconsin," Treml said. "He brought the idea down, and it's been great."

As in years past, Rotary Club members have invited eight organizations, including area hospitals, Little Angels, and Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, to send their patients and residents.

There is no age limit on this soiree, Treml said. Partygoers are only bound by how much candy their bags can hold and how much fun they can have in two hours.

"We'll have a face painter, a magician, and therapy dog at the party. We'll have refreshments and 12 stations people can stop at," he said. "The stations will be decorated in a theme. People at the party will vote on the best theme, and the station that receives the most votes will win the (Rotary Club's) trophy for a year."

The invitation is open to anyone who has a disability or terminal illness. For information, call Treml at (847) 659-9266.