WDSRA Foundation

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association
Focusing on
Families
Equal Fun for Everyone
Serving the Park Districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn,
Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield
Building Family Bonds
Dear Friends,
WDSRA Vision Statement
As WDSRA approaches its 35
anniversary, we look back on the
significant impact the Association has
had for our families. Back then, the
Association was offering a few dozen
programs per year. Parents made
suggestions for activities for their children
and we now offer more than 1,500
programs annually.
th
Families asked if WDSRA would provide
day programs for adults with developmental challenges and we responded
with Rec & Roll day programs. We now have three locations (Glen Ellyn, Carol
Stream, and Naperville), with more to come in the future. Youth with physical
challenges hungered for sports and social outlets and the Adaptive Sports
program was born. Our Windy City Warriors wheelchair basketball teams have
won five state championships and helped send some six athletes to college
with scholarships.
WDSRA has been strengthening family bonds and helping families for almost
35 years. In January 2010, Naperville announced the results of a citywide
survey to families with special needs children. The survey asked the families to
identify the greatest resources and most significant voids in service.
THE HIGHEST RATED ASSET WAS WDSRA AND ITS PROGRAMS.
We thank our families for that tremendous vote of confidence and we will
continue to expand our services and help families grow stronger.
Equal Fun for Everyone
WDSRA Mission Statement
The Development of Individuals
through Recreation
WDSRA Foundation
Mission Statement
The WDSRA Foundation was developed
to establish long-term programs of
giving from individuals, businesses, and
organizations to further the goals and
ideals of the Western DuPage Special
Recreation Association. The Foundation
is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
WDSRA Board of Directors
Diane Dillow, Chairman,
Warrenville Park District
Gary Major, Vice Chairman,
West Chicago Park District
Jane Hodgkinson, Board Secretary, WDSRA
Sharon Gedvilas, Board Treasurer, WDSRA
Carrie Haupert, Bloomingdale Park District
Arnie Biondo, Carol Stream Park District
Cory Atwell, Glen Ellyn Park District
Ray McGury, Naperville Park District
Rob Ward, Roselle Park District
Jane Hodgkinson
Executive Director
Mike Benard, Wheaton Park District
Mark Pawlowski, Winfield Park District
WDSRA Foundation
Board of Directors
Elden Brauer, Chairman
Gregg Bettcher
Mike Deegan
Susan DiMeo-Sargent
Jim Gallo
Amy Hansen
Jane Hodgkinson
Lea Jackman
Pat Marks
Anne O’Dell
Bringing Families Together
“My family loves going to Elliot’s sporting
events and
recitals
together.
It’s really
nice to have
something
to bring us
together.” Samantha
Walte, Bloomingdale
N
ineteen-year-old Elliot Walte, Bloomingdale, has had
the best of both worlds with friends through WDSRA
programs as well as peers at the park district. He joined a
WDSRA Special Olympics sports team six years ago. He
has also enjoyed the stage with TROOP Drama and tap
dancing. Before that, Elliot was involved with programs at
the Bloomingdale Park District and always had a WDSRA
inclusion aide with him.
Samantha began by helping out at WDSRA when Elliot
joined that Special Olympics team. She began with the
basketball and softball squads transitioning to a WDSRA
inclusion aide for an afterschool program and a summer
camp in Glen Ellyn. She values WDSRA in her brother’s
life because Elliot has a group of friends that reaches
beyond sports and into social settings.
l
WDSRA served more than 4,500 children, teens, and adults registering for services during FY 2009-10.
l
WDSRA was chosen as the Greatest Community Asset by Naperville residents who utilize our services!
l
In cooperation with Child and Family Connections and the Northeast DuPage SRA , WDSRA formed a Family
Connections Playgroup. The monthly program welcomed families to play and interact with sports equipment and art supplies in a local gymnasium.
l
Rec & Roll, a day program for adults, opened a third location at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center in Glen Ellyn.
l
WDSRA reached in excess of 13,000 people through its programs, services, and events.
l
WDSRA staff educated nearly 1,900 children, teens, and adults through its Disability Awareness Programs.
l
Parent workshops were developed to inform and educate parents on topics affecting the present and future of their family member with special needs. Twenty-eight people attended the first workshop entitled, “Residential Opportunities”.
Nuturing Families & Friendships
“You can’t measure
L
all the benefits of
WDSRA. All of Ricky’s
friendships that have
blossomed into true
friendships have come
through WDSRA.”
Laura Plemich,
Naperville
l
TROOP Drama presented adaptations of The Little Mermaid and The Jungle Book before friendly crowds of almost 200.
l
The 22nd Annual Performing Arts Recital featured close to 100 WDSRA participants in the auditorium of St. Francis High School in Wheaton while the audience topped 350 people.
l
WDSRA organized art shows and displays throughout its member districts to feature the multi-medium works of WDSRA artists.
aura Plemich cannot speak highly enough about her
son’s lifetime of participation in special recreation.
Her family moved to Naperville when Ricky was six years
old and over the years, he has learned to overcome the
challenges of autism especially when he is dancing and
acting.
As a child and teen, Ricky enjoyed WDSRA’s creative
movement and dance classes. He tried sports but preferred
the program opportunities in the creative arts. About eight
years ago, Ricky, now 26, discovered TROOP Drama and
has acted in more than a dozen productions. In his first
performance, Ricky was thrust into a lead role of Bob
Cratchit in an adaptation of A Christmas Carol two weeks
before showtime. Laura worked with him at home to learn
his lines. She saw her son blossom and gain confidence on
stage.
Laura has been a veteran volunteer with the shows as
the coordinator of props and scenery for each production
as well as guiding the performers onto and off the stage.
She also assisted WDSRA with special events such as the
Valentine’s Dance and New Year’s Eve Dance, frequently
accompanied participants on other outings, and has
helped in Ricky’s dance classes.
Laura is grateful for all that WDSRA has meant for her son
and the thousands of other participants. She has
continually watched the children, teens, and adult
blossom in the programs.
Making Connections
G
race, Lucas, and Olivia Morrow have much more in
common than just a last name. Each has an identity
with the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
Grace is a participant with autism who has enjoyed a
variety of programs and prefers the structure of the
seasonal camps. Olivia has volunteered and has also
provided babysitting services to WDSRA families. Lucas
started as a volunteer and moved into a part-time paid
role. He was a staff member for a WDSRA overnight camp
and found it to be a rewarding and fun experience. He
hopes his sister Grace can continue to benefit from the
resources that WDSRA provides to local families.
“The programs are great for the kids,
providing
them with a
peer group
and creating
experiences that
typical families
may take for
granted.”
Mary Morrow,
Carol Stream
l
WDSRA received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
l
WDSRA entered into an agreement with the Glen Ellyn Park District to lease space at the Ackerman Park for
99 years assuring dedicated usage time for its programs.
l
The Video Ventures program won the Outstanding
Program of the Year Award from the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Association.
l
A dozen WDSRA teens and adults and three staff members went on a five-day camping trip to Wisconsin where the participants were responsible for setting up the campsite and cooking the meals.
l
WDSRA offered a nutrition and fitness component to a summer program for 30 at-risk third grade students in partnership with the Glen Ellyn Resource Center.
l
For the third time, a group of Korean visitors met WDSRA staff and Rec & Roll teens and adults to study the special recreation concept.
l
WDSRA launched a new electronic newsletter reaching 1,500 teachers in 22 school districts in Western DuPage County. This communication helped to keep educators informed as well as to recruit part-time staff.
Meeting Challenges Side by Side
H
elen Ware of Naperville is deeply grateful for
WDSRA’s impact upon her family. Her son, Jeremy,
a 34-year-old man with autism, checks the calendar
often to see when his next WDSRA activity is scheduled.
An annual Christmas Party was Jeremy’s first WDSRA
program when the family relocated to Naperville in 1997.
While he attended the special event, his mother sat by
the phone waiting to receive a distress call. That call never
came. Instead, Jeremy was smiling when he reunited with
his mom. Jeremy has since enrolled in countless social
programs and special events. Although Helen insists that
he is not athletic, Jeremy also participates in bowling,
basketball, and softball.
“Naperville is
the first place
we’ve ever lived
that has so
many programs
for people with
special needs!”
Helen Ware,
Naperville
Jeremy’s sister, Stephanie, volunteered with WDSRA
beginning in ninth grade, pursued a special education
degree, and now teaches in Naperville’s Indian Prairie
School District #204. Stephanie, 28, has “taught her older
brother at home forever” and has helped other WDSRA
participants as a part-time staff member. She also plans
her brother’s birthday parties by inviting his WDSRA
friends to bowl and eat pizza at the Brunswick Zone in
Naperville. The Ware family boasts a brother and sister
relationship that is strengthened through their connection
to the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
l
Total participations for inclusion services topped 1,650 for FY 2009-10. In the busier summer and fall program seasons, the totals exceeded 1,250 participations.
l
WDSRA was one of five sites nationwide to receive a financial grant from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation and the Johns Hopkins National Center for Summer Learning. The project included an innovative inclusion experience for campers at Wheaton Park District’s Camp I Don’t Know.
l
The Naperville Park District’s Santa House program
was offered to children with special needs over two
evenings and WDSRA helped 127 children to participate.
l
Community Cruisers, a transition program for high
school students, was piloted with Wheaton’s District 200 for 13 high school students.
“WDSRA
is a large
organization
that greatly
impacts the
special needs
community.”
Cathy Riehs,
Naperville
Discovering the Possibilities
L
T
here is something very special about Girl Scout Troop
200. Naperville parent Cathy Riehs approached
WDSRA two years ago with the idea to charter a troop for
girls with special needs, including her daughter, Emma,
who has Autism. Since then, 13 girls have joined them to
earn badges, make crafts, sell cookies, and learn Girl Scout
traditions.
The Riehs family moved to Naperville in 2005 and became
familiar with WDSRA when Emma and her younger
sister, Jane, enrolled in a Kiddie Kamp. Emma has taken
piano lessons and trained for Special Olympics Rhythmic
Gymnastics through WDSRA, and the sisters have gone
on recreation field trips together with the support of a
WDSRA inclusion aide. Cathy has realized that WDSRA’s
services make her life and the lives of other families less
complicated with the assistance of caring dedicated staff.
ooking back, Penny Schaschwary of Naperville,
can recall many fun WDSRA memories for her son,
Christopher. He was born with Down Syndrome and has
enrolled in countless WDSRA activities since the early
1990’s. Christopher has practiced his social skills and
developed lifelong friendships through his participation.
Penny is a public school teacher during the school year
and gives her time to WDSRA during the summer months.
She has volunteered in WDSRA’s Rec & Roll, a weekday
program for teens and adults that emphasizes social
interactions, life skills, and field trips. Together they are
making memories.
“WDSRA has made hundreds of fun
memories for our
family during the
past 18 years.”
Penny
Schaschwary,
Naperville
Creating Memories
“WDSRA enables us to be more of a family
S
because it gives
Cole an outlet to be
happier at home.
WDSRA is a great
place and it’s been
wonderful for our
lives.”
Cheryl Bransford,
Carol Stream
L
ittle did Cheryl Bransford know that when she enrolled
her young son, Cole, in park district programs in Glen
Ellyn and then Carol Stream that it would turn into a job
opportunity for her. About ten years ago, Cole was
diagnosed with autism and benefited from a WDSRA
inclusion aide while attending swim and preschool
activities.
The WDSRA Inclusion Manager prompted Cheryl to
consider working as an aide herself and she was
subsequently hired. Cheryl worked part-time for seven
years and the work was a natural fit for her. Cole is now a
teenager and prefers special events as well as
spring and summer camps.
eventeen year old Jenny Youngwith has registered
for WDSRA programs since her childhood. The Carol
Stream resident has a cognitive disability and began her
involvement with swimming. At the same time, her older
sister, Julie, was introduced to WDSRA and started to
volunteer in a dance class as a teenager.
When she turned 16, Julie was hired part-time to work
in social clubs and Special Olympics track and field. She
has since served as a summer inclusion aide for WDSRA
participants in park district programs. Julie was inspired
by her sister’s needs and her work with WDSRA to pursue
a special education degree at Illinois State University.
“Being
with my
sister and
working
at WDSRA
has
influenced
me to
devote my
career to teaching special education.”
Julie Youngwith
Inspiring Teamwork
T
wo brothers raised in Wheaton and involved with
football as former players and current coaches
prompted them to create a flag football program for
WDSRA. Jeff Butikofer watched a sports show on TV
about a baseball program for athletes with disabilities and
was inspired to modify it for football.
Along with his brother James, Wheaton North High
School head coach Joe Wardynski, 30 Falcon players,
Wheaton-Warrenville South High School athletic director
Bob Quinn, and WDSRA staff, the adapted Flag Football
program has appealed to 20 WDSRA athletes each of the
past four years.
The five-week summer program has included skills,
strategies, and scrimmages. WDSRA athletes were invited
to a Wheaton North varsity game and rooted for the
Falcons from an end zone cheering section. Jeff credits
the program with building character for the high school
players as well as confidence in the WDSRA athletes.
The Butikofer brothers hope to expand the Flag Football
program into other communities.
“My brother and I love football, and the
camaraderie between the high school
players
and the
WDSRA
athletes in
the Flag
Football
program
is fun!”
Coach Jeff Butikofer
l Special Olympics golfers, WDSRA volunteers and staff were invited by Calamos Investments to watch the Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms as the U.S. women’s team took on the European team.
l During a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, two WDSRA Winter Games in Galena.
Special Olympics ice skaters met Olympic Gold Medal Champion and Naperville native Evan Lysacek.
l More than 170 swimmers from eight local teams l WDSRA launched a Special Olympics Young Athletes l Five Special Olympics Snowshoers qualified for the competed at the annual WDSRA Swim Meet in
West Chicago.
l The WDSRA Wildcats volleyball squads celebrated state appearances with one team winning the gold medal and another team placing second.
Program for kids ages two through eight years old.
l Twenty-one Special Olympics athletes from WDSRA qualified for the Illinois Summer Games and earned 23 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals.
Keeping Families Connected
G
randpa Roy Comstock has been the number one fan of
the Windy City Warriors sports teams for the past ten
years. His grandson, Douglas Davison, was born with spina
bifida and was introduced to WDSRA through Adaptive
P.E. teacher Kathy Brinker during an early intervention
program at Westfield School in 2000.
Douglas, now a 15-year-old freshman at Glenbard South
High School, has trained with the Warriors in basketball,
softball, and weightlifting. Grandpa, dad, and son have
traveled together to regional and national wheelchair
sports tournaments. According to his dad, Ken, the recreational outlet of WDSRA has kept Douglas healthy, physically fit, and socially connected. The family has been
very appreciative of their affiliation with WDSRA through
the years.
“Douglas’s 80-year-old grandpa
attends every
wheelchair
sports game and
cheers on the
team from the
front row.”
Ken Davison,
Wheaton
l The Windy City Warriors Wheelchair basketball team moved into its new home court at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center in Glen Ellyn and provided a demonstration for the community.
l A return to the Illinois High School Association’s wheelchair basketball tournament resulted in an unprecedented fifth state title for the Warriors.
l The Warriors softball team finished second at the Junior National Wheelchair Softball Tournament.
l AETNA provided funding for the Warriors to host a
Wheelchair Softball Tournament as well as other wheelchair programs.
WDSRA Foundation: Caring for One Another
T
he WDSRA Foundation builds family throughout our
many communities. Bringing people and businesses
together to spread the Equal Fun for Everyone message
and to grow financial partnerships are the goals of the
Foundation. Monies contributed through Foundation
events go to support the many WDSRA programs and
services thrroughout the year.
l WDSRA held the Run, Rock! & Roll 5K in Carol Stream which appealed to more than 140 area runners.
l The Outback Steakhouse in Bloomingdale hosted a luncheon to benefit WDSRA which raised $4,000.
l Twenty-nine people, including two with disabilities raised pledges for WDSRA through the annual Jump-a-
Thon which generated nearly $10,000 to support WDSRA’s programs and services.
l Almost 450 people supported the WDSRA Foundation’s Annual Charity Auction which netted nearly $55,000.
l Bill McCormack, owner of American Balloon Company
in Glen Ellyn, was the recipient of the WDSRA Foundation’s Hall of Fame Award for his many years of support.
l A WDSRA Special Olympics track participant was
featured on the cover of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Magazine and has had several articles published throughout the year.
l Wheaton resident and long-time WDSRA benefactor Scott MacKay was chosen as the first honoree of the
Charlie Long Memorial Award for bringing people together for the common good, working on behalf of
others, making communities stronger, and connecting people to causes and giving not only of their time but also their resources.
Financial Power
WDSRA Balance Sheet
April 30, 2010
WDSRA Statement of
Revenues, Expenditures and
Changes in Fund Balance
April 30, 2010
Assets
Cash/cash equivalents
Receivables:
Program fees
Other
Due from member districts
Prepaid items
$ 1,941,751
63,495
45,585
25,374
33,219
$ 2,109,424
TOTAL ASSETS
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Liabilities:
Accounts payable-trade
Accrued payroll & payroll taxes
Due to member districts
Unearned program revenue
$ 187,644
167,514
84,514
150,573
590,245
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Fund balance:
Reserved for prepaid items
Unreserved, undesignated
33,219
1,485,960
1,519,179
TOTAL FUND BALANCE
$ 2,109,424
TOTAL LIABILITIES
& FUND BALANCE
Revenues
Member district contributions:
Tax assessment
Inclusion charges
Program revenue
Donations
In-kind donations
Investment income
Miscellaneous
$ 3,133,051
80,543
522,604
218,930
24,741
4,509
6,974
TOTAL REVENUES
$ 3,991,352
Expenditures
Current:
Personnel
Contractual services
Materials and Supplies
Debt service
Capital outlay
$ 2,881,342
259,142
268,154
74,150
271,555
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$ 3,754,343
REVENUES OVER
EXPENDITURES
$ 237,009
Fund Balance
(beginning of the year)
$ 1,282,170
Fund Balance
(end of the year)
$ 1,519,179
Participation Trends
WDSRA Participations
Out of District
2120, 17%
Bloomingdale
664, 5%
14000
Carol Stream
968, 8%
Glen Ellyn
1146, 9%
Winfield
392, 3%
11,611
12,313
9,305
8000
6000
4000
Wheaton
2056, 17%
West Chicago
384, 3%
Warrenville
365, 3%
12000
10000
11,383
2000
Roselle
425, 3%
Naperville
3793, 32%
0
FY 2007
FY 2008
FY 2009
FY 2010
Financial Power
WDSRA Foundation Statement
of Financial Position
April 30, 2010
WDSRA Foundation Statement
of Activities
April 30, 2010
Assets
Cash
Investments
Accounts receivable
Grant receivable
Prepaid expense
Beneficial interest
in assets held by others
$ 64,560
116,569
24,925
6,926
73,491
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 286,471
Liabilities and Net Assets
Accounts payable
Unearned revenue
Due to WDSRA
$ 21
5,588
15,816
TOTAL LIABILITIES
21,425
Net Assets:
Unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
183,711
47,332
34,003
TOTAL NET ASSETS
265,046
TOTAL LIABILITIES
AND NET ASSETS
$ 286,471
Revenues
Public support:
Contributions
Grants
Fundraising events
Other:
Gain on investments
Change in beneficial interest
in assets held by others
Miscellaneous
Out of District
167, 17%
Wheaton
318, 17%
Bloomingdale
84, 5%
30,510
16,300
519
TOTAL REVENUES
$ 507,596
Expenses
Program service Donation to Association
Fundraising events
Management and general
$ 281,965
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 467,925
Increase (decrease) in net assets
$ 39,671
Net assets (beginning of the year)
$ 225,375
Net assets (end of the year)
$ 265,046
Inclusion Participations
Winfield
62, 3%
$ 114,225
77,825
268,217
162,611
23,349
Inclusion Trends
2,000
Carol Stream
147, 8%
Glen Ellyn
82, 9%
1,500
1,252
1,478
1,561
1,665
1,000
500
West Chicago
26, 3%
Warrenville
101, 3%
Roselle
65, 3%
Naperville
603, 32%
0
FY 2007
FY 2008
FY 2009
FY 2010
Supporting Partners
The WDSRA Foundation received grants from the following foundations, organizations, and service clubs in FY 2009-10:
Aetna Foundation, Alexander and Baldwin Foundation, Alfred Bersted Foundation, City of Naperville, Exchange Club of
Naperville, Flip Camcorder, Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society, Glen Ellen Rotary, Hinsdale Center for The Arts, Illinois Art
Council, Kara Foundation , Naperville Jaycees, Naperville Kiwanis, Naperville Township, National Inclusion Project,
St. Charles Kiwanis, Schneider International, Silver Lining Support Foundation, Topfer Family Foundation, Wheaton
Junior Woman’s League.
The WDSRA Foundation thanks the following individuals and businesses for their financial support or in-kind
contributions throughout the fiscal year, ending April 30, 2010: (This list does not include those who supported the 2010
Charity Auction. Our goal is to acknowledge all donors for fiscal 2009-10. If your name is missing, please contact the
WDSRA office at 630-681-0962.
Mr. Vic Abelseth
Accessibility Consultation &
Training Services
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Adams
Mr. Tom Adams
Ms. Alice Adams
Ms. Jeannette Adcock
Addison Park District
Adelle's Fine American Fare
Advanced Chiropractic Health Center
Advanced Windows and Doors
Adventist Glen Oaks Hospital
Adventist Glen Oaks Hospital Offices
Aetna Foundation
Ms. Staci Ahrens
Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Aiello
Ms. Lindy Allen
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Allston
Mr. & Mrs. John Allston
Ms. Cristina Alonzo
American Balloon Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan D. Anderson
Mrs. Gail Anderson
Ms. Joanne Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. William Andrle
Mr. Frank Angelucci
Arbor Café
Ms. Patricia Archer
Dr. Moira Ariano
Arlington Park Racetrack
Mr. Mike Armbrust
Armbrust Plumbing, Heating &
Air Conditioning, Inc
Arnold J. Simonsen Foundation
Arrowhead Golf Club
AT&T United Way Employee
Giving Campaign
Ms. Joan Atkins
Ms. Jacquelyn Aubert
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Avery
Ms. Darlene Bajzec
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Bak
Ms. Rima Bakaitis
Mr. Thomas Balacek
Bank of America Matching Gifts
Mr. & Mrs. Dick Banko
Mr. Chuck Barber
Barn Owl
Mr. & Mrs. Harmon Barnard
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Barney
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Barski
Bartel's Auto Clinic Quick Lube
Bartlett Park District
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Battad
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Battle
Mr. Christopher Bautista
Mr. James Baxter
Bear Cartage
Mr. Kevin Beaudette
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Beck
Ms. Lisa Becke
Ms. Katie Bendis
Mr. Gary Benedik
Ms. Donna Berens
Ms. Gail Berg
Ms. Sandra Berg
Mr. Rich Berzinski
Mr. & Mrs. Gregg Bettcher
Dr. Mark Bettcher
Mr. Keith Bettcher
Mr. Mike Bielecki
Ms. Diann Bilderback
Ms. Dee Bingham
Ms. Beth Black
Blackbox Network Services
Ms. Linda Blanco
Ms. Karen Block
Bloomingdale Chamber
of Commerce
Bloomingdale Park District
Mr. Richard Bloss
Bluco Modular Fixturing
Ms. Janet Boe
Mr. Eric Bogosian
Mrs. Jane Bolger
Mrs. Cathy Bolger
Ms. Tracy Bolger
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Bonelli
Mr. & Mrs. Juan Bonilla
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Borrino
Borter Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
Ms. Cynthia Bosh
Mr. David Bossert
BP Fabric of America Fund
Mr. Jesse Bradford
Mr. Terry Bradshaw
Ms. Lorraine Brand
Mr. & Mrs. Elden Brauer
Ms. Sue Brauer
Mr. Joseph Brender
Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC
Bridgeview Bank
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Brim
Mr. Gerald Brin C.P.A., Ltd.
Mr. Matt Roth Brooke Havenga
Brooks,Tarulis, Schaffer and Tibble
Brookside Artist Management
Mr. Steve Browere
Brunswick Zone Carol Stream
Brunswick Zone Naperville
Brust Funeral Home, Ltd.
Ms. Beth Bryant
Bubel/Aiken Foundation
Ms. Joanne Buchhop
Ms. Kathy Buck
Ms. Marsha Buffington
Mr. & Mrs. Rob Burns
Dr. John Butts & Ms. Jane Hove
Ms. Marlene Byron
Ms. Deborah Byrum
Ms. Karina Cabrera
Mr. & Mrs. Guy Callipari
Ms. Amanda Calvert
Ms. Caryn Camp
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Camper
Ms. Linda Canepa Allen
Ms. Brittany Cardott
Ms. Amy Carlson
Carol Stream Park District
Ms. Cheryl Carter-Marcotte
Catch Thirty Five
Central DuPage Hospital
Mr. Winston Chan
Ms. Jenny Charles
Charles Schwab Matching Gift Center
Chicago Fire Soccer
Chicago Town Construction
Ms. Tasha Chretien
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Christensen
Ms. Beth Ciabattari
Ms. Linda Ciaglia
Mr. Pat Cleary
Mr. & Mrs. Mary Clemens
Coldwell Banker
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Coleman
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Comiskey
Community Auto Body
Community Bank of
Glen Ellyn/Wheaton
Mr. Roy Comstock
Mr. Malcom Condie III
Mrs. Joanne Conners
Ms. Lori Ann Conte
Cornerstone Medical Group
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Corrigan
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Corry
Ms. Erin Cox
Ms. Jane Cox
CR Promotions Inc
Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Creggett
Crowne Plaza of Glen Ellyn
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Cruse
Ms. Katherine Cullen
Culver's of Carol Stream
Mr. Dave Cummings
Curtis Brown Group Ltd.
Ms. Angela Dana
Mr. Dan Darbor
Dave and Buster's
Ms. Lori Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Davis
Mr. & Mrs. James Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Davison
Day & Robert, P.C.
Supporting Partners
Ms. Deanna Dazzo
Mr. Mike DeBella
Mr. Dennis Decker
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Dee
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Deegan
Ms. Mary Defiglia
Mr. & Mrs. Don Delaney
Mr. Jon DeSagun
Mr. Brian Diamond
Ms. Elsie Dieden
Horea Dijmarescu
Mr. Patrick Dimond
Ms. June DiNardo
Mr. & Mrs. Joe DiPirro
District 200
Mr. Stephen Dolan
Ms. Cynthia Doorn
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dostal
Ms. Mary Dougherty
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Doyle
Ms. Melissa Drazba
Dream Dinners
Ms. Shellie DuBois
Mr. Rich Dudek
Amit Dugar
DuKane Chiropractic &
Rehabilitation
DuPage County Fair Association
Mr. Chad Dyson
Mr. Bucky Earll
Edy's Grand Ice Cream
EHB Associates
Elmhurst Choral Union
Elmhurst Park District
Ms. Jean Erhardt
Ms. Kathleen Esposito
Shawn Estoque
Mr. & Mrs. David Evans
Lee Everett
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Everett
Ms. Lynn Everette
Exchange Club of Naperville
Exxon Mobil Joliet
F. Cesario & Co.
Famous Dave's - Naperville
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Farley
Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Farrell
Fast Signs
Ms. Claudia Fecho
Mr. Doug Feldman
Mr. Ted Feldman
Ferarra Pan Candy Company
Mr. James Ferguson
Ms. Sandy Fink
First Trust Advisors L.P.
First Trust Portfolios
Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Fishwick
Mr. Bob Fleck
Flood Brothers Disposal/Recycling
Ms. Sharon Flores
Mrs. Dennie Flynn
Forget-Me-Not Food Marketing Inc
Mr. Louis Forst
Mr. Richard Forst
Mr. Thomas Forst
Fox and Hound Pub & Grill
Fox Bowl
Foxford Hills Golf Club
Mrs. Mary Frank
Ms. Mildred Freng
Fresh Meadow Golf Club
Ms. Esther Frey
Mr. & Mrs. Julie Fry
Mr. Gordon Fry
Mr. J.A. Fulton
Mr. Karl Gabbey
Gallo Consulting Services
Kerry Galson
Ms. Stephanie Gandsey
Ms. Julee Gard
Gatorade - A Division of Pepsico
Ms. Darlene Gedvilas
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Gedvilas
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gentile
Mr. Daniel Geraghty
Mr. Daniel Gerwig
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Gibson
Ms. Terri Gibson
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gilchrist
Ms. Eliana Giraldo
Mr. Bernard Gizzi
Glass Court Swim & Fitness
Ms. Geraldine Glazier
Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare
Glen Ellyn Park District
Glen Ellyn Rotary
Glen Ellyn Women's Club
Glendale Lakes Golf Club
Glenview Park District
Glow Golf
Ms. Joan Goldstein
Golf Galaxy Naperville
Mr. & Mrs. William Goodwin
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Grabow Jr.
Ms. Katherine Gribble
Ms. Sherri Gribble
Mr. Arnold Grief
Mr. Donald Griffin Jr.
Mr. Jim Gurt
Ms. Nicole Gurt
Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Gust
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Gustavson
Ms. Elizabeth Haas
Ms. Tricia Haddon
Ms. Michelle Hagemann
Mr. James Hager
Haggarty Ford
Ms. Catherine Halinski
Mr. John Hall
Mr. Tom Hall
Ms. Louise Hammond
Ms. Patricia Hammond
The Hannan Family
Ms. Suzanne Hart
Ms. Carrie Haupert
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Havenga
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Havenga
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Hayden
Ms. Barb Healy
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Heaton
Ms. Maxine Heilig
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis P. Helledy
Mr. Don Henricks
Mr. Chuck Herzog
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hess
Mr. James Hill
Hilton Bloomingdale
Indian Lakes Resort
Mr. & Mrs. Charles M. Hinds
Mr. Jeff Hobbs
Ms. Jane Hodgkinson
Ms. Valerie Hoffman
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hogan
Holiday Inn - Carol Stream
Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Holleran
Ms. Donna Housfeld
Mr. Mike Howard
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Howell
Hub Group Logistics
Hubbard Woods Travel
Ms. Susan Huber
Huck, Bouma, P.C.
Mr. Terrance Hughes
Ms. Joyce Hundhausen
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Hurd
Mr. Benard Hurley
Mr. & Mrs. William Hurt
Huskie Tools
Mr. Darren Ioka
Mr. Bob Irons
Itasca Park District Waterpark
Itrich Family Foundation
Ivy Steaks.Chops.Seafood
J.D. Brown & Company
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Jackman
Ms. Kim Jacobs
Jameson's Charhouse
Mr. & Mrs. Randall Jeffay
Mr. Eugene Jersha
Jewel of Itasca
Mr. David Johansen
Ms. Lynn Johnson
Mr. Daniel Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Joss
Ms. Laurie Jossendal
Ms. Bonnie Joyce
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kaczor
Ms. Catrina Kagel
Ms. Gloria Kahn
Mr. & Mrs. Frank T. Kamper
Mr. Ronald Kamper
Kane County Cougars
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Kania
Ms. Kelly Kass
Mr. John Katsis, D.D.S., Ltd.
Lee Kaufman
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Kelderhouse
Kelly Orthodontics
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kelver
Ms. Judy Kemker
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kenneally
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Kennedy
Mr. John Kenner
Rev. & Mrs. Burt Kettinger
Mr. & Mrs. David Kikugawa
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Killingsworth
Ms. Hayley King
Mr. Al King
Mr. Rick Kitchen
Klein Creek Golf Club
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kmiecik
Ms. Marie Knapcik
Mr. Hank Knez
Supporting Partners
Ms. Kathleen Knight
Knights of Columbus,
St. Irene's Council #6710
Mr. Karl Koenig
Kohl's
Ms. Maureen Kolar
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Koontz
Mr. Kevin Koontz
Ms. Louise Kopp
Mr. Ken Kowalski
Ms. Amber Krakowski
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kramer
Kramer Photographers
Kramer Tree Specialist
Mr. Mark Krawczykowski
Mr. Terry Kulpinski
Ms. Beth Kwiatkowski
Teodora Lagdan
Mr. & Mrs. Tom LaLonde
Ms. Karen Lapa
Ms. Janet Lappman
Ms. Mary Ann
Law Office of Phil Nathe
Law Offices of Amari & Locallo
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Lehman
Mr. Bill Knepper &
Ms. Susan Leigh
Mr. Len Lesser
Ms. Susan Levitt
Lexus of Naperville
Mr. Jack Leydon
Mr. Rich Linder
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Little
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Littlejohn
Mr. & Mrs. Ben & Marissa Llames
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Loehr
Mrs. Joan Long
Mr. Andy Long
Mr. Michael Loresch
Lou Malnati's
LPL Financial Services
Mr. & Mrs. James Lukens
Mr. Luke Lundgren
Ms. Linda Lutz
M. A. P., JR. LMT
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth MacKay
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mair
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Malcolm
Ms. Barbara Mambu
Casey Manchester
Manhattan's American Bar & Grill
Mr. & Mrs. Rich Manietta
Mr. Tim Mann
Ms. Ashley Manning & JC Kelley
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Manschot
Mr. Lou Margaglione
Ms. Suzanna Marks
Ms. Noreen Marsh
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Martin
Ms. Anna Martin
Ms. Sara Martin
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Mason
Massage Clinique, Inc.
Massage Envy Bloomingdale
Mr. & Mrs. Marsh Mathias
Ms. Pam Matrisciano
Mr. David May
Ms. Donna McCash
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph McCormack
Mr. & Mrs. Bill McCormack
Mr. & Mrs. Drew McDaniel
Mr. Derek McDaniel
Chris McDonald
Ms. Shawna McDonough
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy McGivern
Mr. & Mrs. John McLaughlin
Mr. & Mrs. Charles McPhee
Ms. Darla Medernach
Medinah Country Club
Mr. Terry Mee
Ms. Janice Mejia
Mr. Darryl Meredith
Mr. Nathan Meredith
Ms. Alicia Meredith
Ms. Cathy Meredith
Ms. Linda Meredith
Ms. Mary Metcalf
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Meyer
Sabe Meyer
Mr. Michael Meyer
Mill Creek Golf Club
Millennium Dance Center
Ms. Amanda Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Miner
Mitsuko Mizushima
Ms. Carolyn Mondlock
Ms. Lily Moon
Sandy Moran
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Mores
Ms. Mary Morgan
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Morrow
Mr. Jim Moy
Ms. Joan Mruk
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Munzing
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Muphy
Ms. Cassandra Murray
Nameplate & Panel Technology
Nana's Personalized Books for Kids
Naper Settlement
Naperville Jaycees
Naperville Noon Lions Club
Naperville Park District
Naperville Running Company
Naperville Sunrise Rotary
Foundation
Ms. Patricia Narske
Mr. Raymond Nasby
Kim Natale
National City Bank of Glen Ellyn
Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Neal
Ms. Judy Neri
Mr. John Neurauter
Mrs. Loree Nicholas
Nickol Knoll Golf Club
Ms. Joy Nikols
Mr. Michael Nixon
Avanelle No Braid
Nolte's Auto Repair
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Norek
Mr. John Norris
Kim North
North Avenue Corporation
Nuccio Optometrists
Oak Brook Mechanical Services, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery O'Dell
Ms. Elizabeth O'Donnell
Mr. Fred Oerkfitz
Mr. Jay Ogden
Ms. Donna Ohman
Old Town Bank & Trust
of Bloomingdale
Old Town Chiropractic
Ms. Sheryl Olson
Ms. Lea Olson
Mr. & Mrs. Chester Olson
Mr. Nathan Olson
Mr. Ted Olson
Mr. Thomas Olson
Ms. Dawn Olson
Olympia Fields Park District
Olympic Chiropractic &
Physical Therapy
Mr. & Mrs. Sean Orquiola
Ms. Katherine Orquiola
Mr. Raymond Orquiola Jr.
Ms. Rita Ortega
Orthopaedics, LTD
Ms. Bonnie Ostrowski
Outback Steakhouse - Bloomingdale
Mr. & Mrs. Drew Page
Mr. Jason Pagsisihan
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Palecki
Mr. Robert Palumbo
Pampered Chef
Panera Bread Bloomingdale
Panera Bread Wheaton
Ms. Lisa Panuska
Mr. & Mrs. Art Pape
Ms. Caryn Parat
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Parch
Mr. Stephen Pasco
Mr. Ajay Patel
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Paul
Mr. & Mrs. Pavlicek
Ms. Michelle Pennington
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Penny
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Perl
Mr. Anthony Perry
Mr. Dan Persico
Peter James Bolt
Scavenger Service, Inc.
Ms. Tamara Peterson
Pheasant Run Resort
Mr. Joseph Piekos
Mr. Mark Pierson
Mr. Jerry Pietryk
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pindak
Platt Hill Nursery
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Plemich
Pockets Aurora
Ms. Rhonda Pokoj
Ms. Jennifer Polega
Mr. Eugene Pontillo
Ms. Marsha Poppie
Ms. Dawn Portner
Prime Wireless
Ms. Olivia Pritchett
Mr. Dave Pugsley
Ms. Debbie Pusateri
Ms. Vicki Quade
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Quigg
Mr. Jack Quinn
Race Time
Ms. Ferdinand Rajchel
Ms. Patricia Rambo
Ms. Sherri Reardon
Mr. & Mrs. Porter Reed
Mr. Philip Reilly
Mr. Brian Reingardt
Mr. Richard Reingardt
Mr. Roger Ritcher
Mr. & Mrs. Terrance Rieck
Mr. Noah Ritchie
Riva Naperville
River Trails Park Dist.
Ms. Jeanne Rivers
Supporting Partners
Ms. Mary Rizzo
Robert A, McNees & Associates
Mr. Jon Roberts
Ms. Shirley Roberts
RoccoVino's
Ms. Pat Rojas
Roselle Park District
Ms. Erin Rosen
Mr. Harry Ross
Rotary Club of Central
DuPage County A.M.
Rotary Club of Wheaton
Mr. Rick Roth
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
Mr. & Mrs. William Ruscitti
Mr. Andrew Ryan
Ms. Joan Ryan
Mr. Ed Rylko
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sabalaskey
Mr. John Salemi
Mr. Nick Santiago
Ms. Candace Saternus
Ms. Jennifer Scanlon
Schneider Logistics
Mr. Kevin Schnepp
Mr. S. Bradley Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Al Seagren
Ms. Dani Seaton
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sebert
Ms. Kathy Selck
Selden Fox, Ltd
Settler's Hill Golf Course
Ms. Veronica Sexton
Sharp
Sharper Graphic, Inc
Shea Physical Therapy
Signs Now
Mr. & Mrs. James Sillery
Mr. Eric Singer
Mr. & Mrs. Ric Sisi
Mr. Rick Sleckman
Mr. Dave Slinkman
Mr. Henry Slinkman
Mr. Robert Smith &
Ms. Donna Munroe
Ms. Christine Smith
Ms. Jennifer Smith
Smitty's Collectables
Smokehouse Restaurants
Mr. Brian Snell
Ms. Eileen Snick
Ms. Valerie Snyder
Ms. Sally Soderstrom
Ms. Leta Soffel
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Sonaco
Mr. Vernon Soukup
Spa Vargas
Spanky Taylor
SPL Host Inc
Sport Clips
Ms. Sue Springborn
Springbrook Golf Course
St. Andrews Golf and Country Club
Mr. Mike Stanton
Starbucks
Mr. & Mrs. Conradin Stark
State Representative Sandy Pihos
Ms. Anna Steeves
Mr. Mike Steffens
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stegner
Pat Stephan
Mr. Matthew Stoffa
Ms. Shea Stoiber
Ms. Laurie Stoos
Sts. Peter & Paul School
Sub Trailer Service
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Sullivan
Ms. Linda Swafford
Mr. Christopher Sweetland
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Sweitzer
Mr. Art Swieboda
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sye
The Taggart Family
Tamarack Golf Club
Tasting de Vine
Team Sales
Ms. Barbara Thayer
The Alfred Bersted Foundation
The DuPage Community Foundation
The Jane Fonda Foundation, Inc.
The Private Bank
The Shade & Shutter
The Treppel Group, LLC
Ms. Tria Thomason
Mrs. Nicola Thornton
Mr. John Tobin
Ms. Marie Todd
Ms. Sheraleen Topacio
Traverso's Naperville
Ms. Dinae Tremblay
Mr. Scott Triphahn
Mr. Allan Tulloch
Mr. Joe Tunkl
Tuscany of Oak Brook
Two Brothers Brewing Company
Mr. Werner Tyczka
Mr. Zach Ullrich
Mr. Dennis Ulrey
Ms. Kari Underly
United Way of
Metropolitan Chicago
UPS
Mr. Michael Urso
Mr. Ted Utchen
Ms. Maureen Valentine
Ms. Donna Vasicek
Ms. Francine Venegas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Venzon
Villa Olivia Country Club
Village of Bloomingdale
Village of Carol Stream
Public Works
Mr. Michael Vogl
Mr. Michael Vozar
Ms. Dorothy Wagner
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wark
Ms. Rhonda Warnke
Mr. & Mrs. Booker Warren
Warrenville Lions Club
Warrenville Park District
Chris Watzek
Wayne Hummer Investments LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Weaver
Mr. Michael Welch
Mrs. Mary Welsh
West Chicago Park District
West Suburban Bank
CVS - Geneva Rd
Serena Westphal
Wheaton Bank and Trust
Wheaton Chamber of Commerce
Wheaton Jr. Women's Club
Wheaton North High School
Wheaton Park District
Wheaton Trophy & Engravers, Inc.
Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas White
Whitetail Ridge Golf Club
Whole Foods
Mr. Stephen Wilkin
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Williams
Mr. David Williams &
Ms. Nancy Hayden
Ms. Amanda Williams
Williams Architects
Williams Construction
Management
Winfield Community Bank
Winfield Park District
Wintrust Financial Corp
Mr. Daniel Witteveen
Mr. Eric Woerle
Mr. Tom Wooten
WW South Athletic Fund
Mr. & Mrs. David Yeager
Mr. Mark Yeager
Chris Yecco
You're #1
Ms. Kathy Zaininger
Ms. Suzanna Zaininger
Ms. Jen Zak
Ms. Arlene Zeleznikar
Ms. Linda Zerwin
Mr. Dave Zuidema
Zurich Foundation
Extending the WDSRA Family
Full-time Staff
Thirty-one full-time staff members manage the dayto-day programs, services, and administrative tasks at
the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
Each recreation staff member holds a degree from an
accredited college or university in the areas of therapeutic
recreation, parks and recreation, or related fields, and
all are encouraged to earn the designation as Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and/or Certified
Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP). Other fulltime employees have collegiate degrees, experience, and
skills to handle the daily administrative and support
requirements of the organization. All WDSRA employees
routinely attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to
stay on the cutting-edge of the parks and recreation field.
They also coordinate training sessions throughout the
year to educate other professionals and volunteers about
important recreation-related topics.
Part-Time Staff
Hundreds of people assist WDSRA during the year as
part-time employees. Typically, they are instructors with
coaching or teaching expertise in sports and cultural arts
designed for people with disabilities. WDSRA hires and
trains employees carefully and thoroughly. Orientations
and seminars are provided for program coordinators, day
camp staff, inclusion staff, and anyone who interacts
directly with WDSRA’s participants.
Volunteers
Throughout the year, many children, teens, and adults
offer their time, skills, and efforts with no compensation;
however, the good feelings of making a difference to
someone with a disability are rewarding. Volunteers
are utilized in seasonal programs, special events, sports
tournaments, and WDSRA Foundation fundraisers.
The full-time staff members are (in alphabetical order):
Cindy Allston, Mary Beck, Gail Bettcher, Amie Chrisman,
Wendy Craven, Steve Eckelberry, Sharon Gedvilas, Jessica
Griffin, Kim Guerra, Kurt Hinterkopf, Jane Hodgkinson,
Kevin Hosea, Lea Jackman, Tammy Kerrins, Sara Kooima,
Curtis Lease, Sarah Ludwig, Sherry Manschot, Alicia
Meredith, Jorie Meyer, Nancy Miner, Dayell Muchowicz,
Lanie Munzing, Inge Papaeliou, Joy Poling, Becky Prince,
Donna Raney, Jackie Salemi, Dori Sonaco, Dana Stewart,
and Bernie Vargas.
Equal Fun for Everyone