April 03, 2023
Fast-paced Generosity at the Special Needs Foundation for Community Link Gala
Breese, IL – The Special Needs Foundation for Community Link held its annual gala this year with an exciting, fast-paced derby theme.
The foundation hosted its annual event, the Run for Possibilities Gala on Saturday, April 1. The guests looked amazing, wearing hats, florals, bright colors and bow ties with derby-style. The night was made possible by the foundation board members, who spent months planning and preparing for the evening.
This year, the Breese American Legion was transformed with racing themed décor from wall to wall. The combination of the beautiful setting and fun-filled evening made for a wonderful night. As the emcee, Paul Klostermann, director of finance for Community Link, greeted the crowd and entertained throughout the evening.
There was great attendance again this year, with nearly 200 guests. The guests, sponsors, and donors were incredibly generous, raising a total of over $90,000 to support the foundation. These donations will be added to the endowment that supports Community Link today and decades into the future.
The evening was full of activities, which included virtual horse races and betting, a horse wheel, and a photo booth. The silent and live auctions were a big hit once again this year. The guests demonstrated heartfelt generosity by giving $22,850 during the paddle raise.
Special Needs Foundation for Community Link board president, Helen Heimann, and Community Link executive director, John Huelskamp, thanked the crowd for their presence and enthusiasm. They expressed how Community Link is a family that cares for participants for years, often their entire adult lives. The Special Needs Foundation only further supports this family, and elevates Community Link from a “good” organization, to a “great” one!
The community, businesses and individuals, donated many great items for the auctions. As soon as guests arrived, the silent auction was live for them to bid on items, and later in the night, guests raised their paddles to be the top bidder during the live auction, called by Kues Bros. Auction Co.
The gala is a big night for the foundation each year it has been held, and Saturday was no exception. The guest’s participation in the horse races and other events to support the foundation was appreciated, and the foundation is grateful for everyone who attended and supported them.
All donations and contributions go directly to the Special Needs Foundation for Community Link. From the contributions that the foundation receives, it is able to support Community Link and its mission now and for years to come.
Of course, nights like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous sponsors. The Special Needs Foundation for Community Link sends thanks to the following sponsors: Monken Toyota, Dairy King, Foppe Insurance Agency, Knights of Columbus-The Niemeyer Agency, K&J Chevrolet, and Foppe Ace Hardware.
The Special Needs Foundation for Community Link is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 whose mission is to support developmentally disabled citizens served by Community Link, Inc. The purpose of the Foundation is to raise and grow funds to support the special needs of Community Link while preserving donation capital. For more information, please visit commlink.org/foundation.