NSSRA to celebrate the season's successes at Summer Bash

The highly anticipated Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association's end-of-summer bash is just a few days away. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, nearly 350 participants, family members, supporters and staff will gather for NSSRA's ninth annual Summer Bash, an evening of dinner, live music, and most importantly, dancing.

"We are thrilled that so many people are coming out to celebrate a fantastic summer with us," said Blair Hill, NSSRA recreation manager. "Our participants have grown so much over the last few months and experienced so many new things; this is our chance to gather as a community and celebrate the moments that made this summer magical."

"For some, that magical moment was finding the courage to go down a waterslide for the first time, and for others it was making a new friend at camp," Hill said. "Staff can celebrate being part of a great team that showed up and went above and beyond all summer long to help participants feel confident every day and encourage them to try something new."

Founded in 1970, NSSRA serves about 1,800 area children, teens and adults with physical, developmental, emotional or other disabilities. The programs and services offered by NSSRA and its partner agencies enhance lives, foster friendships, build skills and create the kinds of experiences that make for fuller, richer lives.

New this year, the event will be at Park Center in Glenview on the green behind the building. The evening is free and a favorite for many participants and families. Featuring live music from Recycle the Day and a cookout-style dinner, Summer Bash is a relaxed, family-centered celebration for the NSSRA community to enjoy together before summer gives way to the bustle of fall activities and busy schedules.

Summer Bash is sponsored by NSSRA Foundation with the support of local businesses, families and community supporters, including Transwestern (Presenting Sponsor), Call One (Tent Sponsor), Binstein Family (Dinner Sponsor), D & R Autoworks of Highland Park (Dinner Sponsor), Trane (Photography Sponsor), Willow Lake Orthodontics (Photography Sponsor) and The Dry Cleaning Factory (Sign Sponsor). To become a sponsor or make a donation, visit www.nssrafoundation.org.

Summer Bash is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Park Center Glenview, 2400 Chestnut Ave., in Glenview. Registration is necessary for this event. For information or questions about Summer Bash, contact Recreation Manager Blair Hill at (847) 509-9400, ext. 6825 or bhill@nssra.org.

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, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, 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 information about NSSRA and the programs and services it provides, visit www.nssra.org.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association Foundation was established in 1997, to support the mission of NSSRA by raising and granting supplemental funding. NSSRA Foundation raises funds throughout the year with all proceeds benefiting the association. The Foundation, in conjunction with NSSRA, hosts annual events for all donors, supporters and families. The Foundation also raises funds through solicitation of grants and their annual Holiday Appeal. Throughout the year, NSSRA Foundation receives generous support from many individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses and community organizations. For information about NSSRA Foundation, visit www.nssrafoundation.org.