Lake & Cook County Restaurants Step Up and Help Partners for Progress of Wauconda
In this time of uncertainty and isolation the community is rallying to help those with mental, physical and emotional challenges. Even though the restaurant business has struggled, 4 area restaurants/markets know the need is great and are stepping up to help.
The Assembly in Hoffman Estates, Beelow's Steakhouse, Lake Zurich, Dorfler's Meat Market, Buffalo Grove and Smokey Joel's in Forest Park are offering their chili as part of a chili cook-off fundraiser to support the ongoing therapy offered at Partners for Progress.
"Typically, we have over 200 riders per week seeking our equine goal-based therapy. Due to COVID-19 we are limited to the number of clients we can service. But our therapy horses still need to be fed, sheltered, and cared for, those expenses don't stop," says Amanda Braden, program director and occupational therapist. "Additionally, families need help, and when we can, we offer scholarships and other financial aid for patients."
Partners for Progress NFP, (PFP) is a goal-based therapeutic riding program. PFP provides alternative equine therapeutic programs to individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges. A few of the areas they serve are autism, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, various syndromes and military veterans to name just a few.
The chili cook-off, which normally takes place at the stable will be virtual this year. In past years, the chili cook-off included area fire departments, individuals with great recipes as well as some restaurants. "We had to re-think our fundraiser this year. We could not have it at our facility, and we could not have the fire departments and individuals that usually help make this event a success offer their chili, so we needed to re-work the event. Thanks to help of all these wonderful restaurants, we are having a virtual contest." said Diane Helgeland, executive director at PFP.
They are also offering several raffles; a Cash raffle, a cake raffle and a raffle for items such as Beats headphones and various $100 gift cards.
The chili contest will be in a "chili box" that individuals can purchase, take home, eat chili and then go online and vote for the chili they like best. Winners will be announced Monday, March 8.
According to Helgeland "We are grateful for the support of these restaurants and we hope our event helps drive business to each of these restaurants. It's a win win."