March 31, 2025
Breese, IL – The Special Needs Foundation for Community Link held its annual gala to support the vison of a community where all individuals are valued for their presence and contributions.
The foundation hosted its annual event, the Unmasking the Possibilities gala, on Saturday, March 29. This year, the Foundation brought the feeling of Mardi Gras in New Orleans to the Breese American Legion. Lots of green, gold, and purple filled the room. The night was made possible by the foundation board members, who worked for many months on bringing the event to life. Paul Klostermann did a great job as emcee, greeting the crowd and entertaining throughout the evening.
With over 230 guests in attendance this year, the room was packed with excitement. The guests, sponsors, and donors were incredibly generous, raising more than $107,000 to support the foundation. These donations will be added to the endowment that supports Community Link today and decades into the future.
The evening entertainment included casino games like poker, roulette, a horse wheel, as well as a photo booth and silent auction. Snacks and sweets catered by The Red Porch Café were a big hit. The silent and live auctions also drew a lot of attention. The guests demonstrated amazing generosity by giving $33,000 during the Fund Our Family paddle raise.
After showing a heartfelt video featuring Community Link participant David Richards, the Special Needs Foundation for Community Link board president, Helen Heimann, and Community Link executive director, John Huelskamp, thanked the crowd for their support of the Foundation, which has been raising funds for Community Link for over 20 years. They also introduced and honored Richards for sharing his story. The video can be viewed at commlink.org.
The community, businesses and individuals, donated many great items for the auctions. 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 John Kues.
The gala is the biggest and most important night of the year for the foundation, and Saturday was no exception. The guest’s attention during the program 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 Royal Flush sponsor Monken Toyota of Mt Vernon; Straight Flush Sponsors FCB Banks, K&J Chevrolet and K&J Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Four of a Kind Sponsors Morgan Stanley, Poettker Construction, Foppe Ace Hardware; as well as multiple Full House Sponsors.
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.