March: Honoring Developmental Disabilities Month with Successful Fundraising

March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting inclusion, understanding, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Across the country, organizations and communities come together to raise awareness and advocate for greater opportunities for those living with disabilities. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility, independence, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of ability.

As part of this important initiative, a successful fundraising event was recently held by Ottawa Friendship House at the Ottawa Knights of Columbus, bringing together over 200 attendees in support of adults with disabilities. The event was a remarkable success, raising an impressive $34,000 to benefit community programs and services that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The event’s turnout and generosity reflect the strong commitment of local residents and organizations to making a meaningful impact. The funds raised will go toward essential resources, support services, and community programs designed to provide opportunities for adults with disabilities to thrive. The evening was filled with camaraderie, inspiring stories, and a shared dedication to ensuring that every individual has the support they need.

The success of this event highlights the power of community-driven efforts in advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities. As March continues to shine a light on awareness and inclusion, the generosity demonstrated at this important fundraising event serves as a powerful reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when people come together for a meaningful cause.

Ottawa Friendship House would like to thank the following:

Sponsors: Jeff Perry (Gold); Heidi Nelson, Kanthak House, Law offices of Peter Ferracuti, First National Bank, and Shoreline Boat Club (Silver); and Cantlin and Finish Line Flooring (Bronze).

Table Sponsors: Computer Spa, Calhoun Consultants, Molly Hughes Equitable, Dr. Brian Hughes DDS, Remax, Berta’s, Midland States Bank, Advantech, OSB Community, SOCU, Tracy Bianchi, MBL, The Lone Buffalo, Illinois Valley Contractors, Illinois Valley Labor Management, Etscheid, Duttlinger & Associates, Friendship House, Zip Pak, Jeremiah Joes Coffee, Brennan & Stuart, and Marseilles Sheet Metal.

Monetary donors include Financial Plus Credit Union, JB Contracting, Koolmaster Inc., The Cheese Shop, Steinberg’s Furniture, Heartland Bank & Trust Company, Linda Walter, Lisa Gerding, Karen Thomas, Yvette Pastirik, Brock Martin, Richard Gerding, Gino Bianchi, and Charles Kluemke.

Other donors include: Ambrosis Salon-Jenna Serby, Anne’s Hideaway, August Hill Winery, Black Ensemble Theater, Blair’s Window Tint & Detail, Bobaluk’s, Bold and Curvy Boutique, Boomin’ Vinyl, Boomin’ DJ, Brown Bag Video, Bruce and Ollie’s, Cal’s Auto Detailing, Cato, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chris & Kristen Goodchild, Clarks Run Antiques, Cora James Hair, Cracker Barrel, Culver’s, D&S Foods, Daisy Mae’s Doggy Detail, Deer Park Country Club, Domino’s, Done Right Landscaping-Gary Wojtasik, Ebb & Flow Studios, Essential Massage, Ashley McGrath, Fast Pipe Lining Inc., Fore On Main, Forever Inked, Forte Dance, Friendship House, Funway Skating, Gamer’s Garage Arcade, Glow Official Esthetics, Hair B’n’B, Handy Foods, Jamie Eick Wotherspoon, Javi’s Detail & Tint, Jaw Breaker Custom Tackle, Jennifer The Alley, Jobst Monument, Joe Jackson, Josh Robbins-Bloomington St. Tattoos, K&K Beaming Bliss, Katie Troccoli, KRS Detailing, Liv Wellness Lounge, Luxx Boutique, Main Attraction-Niki Riebe, Manic Trends-Katie Sipula, Mariachi’s, Morton Arboretum, Mr. J’s, My Guy’s Garage, O-Nett Gaming, Otter Bay Resort, Paramount Skating, Peaks & Paws Candle Co., Polancic’s Meat, PPI, Precision Art Tattoos & Body Piercing-Nick Sarver, Primary Market, PRP Wine, Renegade Ink, Route 6 Pro Wash-Chris Erickson, Roxie Sweet Confections, Roxy Cinema, Ryan Wotherspoon, Sainte Genevieve Riverboat, Sam’s Pizza, Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, Silver Slipper Saloon, Small Dog Candle Company, Smitty’s, SS Shirts & More, Stan & Son, Starved Rock Entertainment, Starved Rock Hot Glass, Streator Eagle 6, Super Bowl, Tapatios, Thats How the Kookie Krumbles, The Alley, The Lone Buffalo, and Van Duzer Jewelry.

For more information, or to donate to this worthy organization, please contact:

Ottawa Friendship House

1718 N. 2525th Rd.

Ottawa, IL 613350

Ph: (815) 434-0737

friendshiphouseillinois.org