40th anniversary logo  

Western DuPage  

Special Recreation Association

 

Engaging community-based recreational programs and 

inclusion services for children, teens and adults with special needs.

www.wdsra.com 

  
In This Issue
WDSRA Celebrates 40 Years
World Autism Awareness Day
10th Annual SRA Art Show
Comcast Cares Day
Summer Hiring NOW
Anniversary Bowling Shirts
You Raise Me Up Concert
DuPage Human Race 5K Run/Walk
Ribfest Volunteers Wanted
  

Spring Break -- Disney Style!

 

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Disney 4
 

Disney 3
 

Disney 1
 

Disney
 

Disney 8
 

Disney 9
 

Find more photos on Facebook!

  
Dance of the Decades -- 40th Anniversary Special Event!


 

 

 

anniversary dance

 

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Find more photos on Facebook!

 

  
Spread the News!

 

Know someone who might benefit from WDSRA programs and services? Invite them to view the WDSRA video here.   

 

 

Hear why one parent calls WDSRA 'exceptional and rare'.

  
News You Can Use Archive

 

Looking for something you saw in a past News You Can Use? Visit our archive at 
  
WDSRA on WONC! 
 
wonc Catch us LIVE on WONC FM89.1 Tues at 4:30pm.   
  
Follow Us
      Like us on Facebook    View our videos on YouTube  
@WeAreWDSRA
  
Celebrating 40 Years!
40th anniversary
It's our 40th anniversary! We are celebrating 40 years of bringing exceptional special recreation opportunities into the lives of families.

We have some very special surprises in the works. Be sure to watch your inboxes, mailboxes, Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Celebrating 40 years of 
Making Today Possible & Tomorrow Promising!
Light It Up Blue on World Autism Awareness Day
Light it up blue logo
Saturday, April 2nd, blue lights will be shining in a global effort to bring awareness to the millions of individuals and families affected by Autism. Landmarks, businesses, communities, schools and homes will be shining blue lights. The Light It Up Blue campaign celebrates and honors the unique talents and skills of people with Autism.

You can help spread awareness and understanding of Autism by wearing blue on Saturday, April 2nd!

Check out their video and learn more at www.autismspeaks.org/liub/what-liub.
SRA Art Show Open to the Public
  
2015 SRA art show The 10th Annual SRA Art Show gives artists from several special recreation associations an opportunity to have their works displayed in a gallery setting. Pieces will be on display Wed., 4/13 thru Sun., 4/24. (Specific days and times vary. See flyer for details).  

A FREE closing reception is being held Sun., 4/24. View all the artwork, enjoy live music, refreshments, and make a craft. This is a GREAT family event!

Show runs Wed., April 13th thru Sun., April 24th--dates and times vary
Closing Reception Sun., April 24th--2-4pm
FREE and open to the public
Bloomingdale Park District Museum
108 S. Bloomingdale Rd., Bloomingdale
For more information, contact Emily at emilyt@wdsra.com  or 630-681-0962 ext559. 
Be a Part of Comcast Cares Days!
 
Comcast Cares logoEvery year on Comcast Cares Day, tens of thousands of Comcast employees, their families and friends make a positive impact in neighborhoods across the country. It's part of their year-round commitment to making a difference in local communities.

WDSRA is thrilled to once again have been selected as a recipient. Comcast invites WDSRA volunteers to work alongside them at two different sites. 

Projects include: collating invitations for the upcoming golf outing, kit assembly, Spring Fling preparation, 'thank you' note creation, window washing, landscaping, bus cleaning and Community Park clean-up.

Volunteer today!
Saturday, April 30th--rain or shine!
8:30am -2:30pm
Registration begins at 8:15am
WDSRA Offices, 116 N. Schmale Rd., Carol Stream

registration button

Did we mention the FREE fun and FREE lunch! 
For details contact Becca 630-681-0962 ext578 or 
Summer Positions Open NOW! 
apply now button 
Looking for a summer job that is fun? Need a flexible schedule? Want competitive wages? Apply NOW! Experience is a plus but we will train.   
 
Great summer jobs for teachers,  
education or special education majors. 
Great for college and high school students too!  

Apply online at http://wdsra.com/Employment-Volunteer/part-time-employment.htm. If you have questions, contact Heather heatherr@wdsra.com or 630-681-0962 ext579
WDSRA 40th Anniversary Highlight 
Anniversary Bowling Shirts
bowling shirt
We are going back to our roots! Did you know that bowling was one of the very first WDSRA programs 40 years ago? It remains one of our most popular programs today!

To celebrate, WDSRA is offering EVERYONE the opportunity to own a piece of our history with a customized WDSRA bowling shirt.  
 
You can only get this stylish shirt here.  Shirts range from $29.75 to $37.75 depending on the size and are shipped directly to your home.

If you have any questions, please contact Danny at 630-681-0962 ext543 or dannyh@wdsra.com.
Community Partners
You Raise Me Up Concert
 
The 7th annual "You Raise Me Up" concert to benefit Special Olympics Illinois Area 2 is a real treat for the whole family! This year's concert will feature the singing talents of:
  • The STARS of College Church
  • The Village Vocal Chords
  • Beyond Glee
  • Clear Confusion
  • Late Night Blues
Saturday, April 9th @ 3pm  
College Church  
332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton
Tickets are $10 each (5 for $40)  
All proceeds go to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics. 
 
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit You Raise Me Up Concert.  100% of ticket revenue goes to support local Special Olympics athletes.
The DuPage Human Race Run

Giving DuPage 5k logo
1,800 runners and walkers raising $100,000 for 70+ charities! 

The DuPage Human Race is a community event & fundraiser that benefits local non-profit organizations serving DuPage County including the Sensory Garden Playground's Play for All Foundation. This year, the Sensory Garden Playground's Play For All Foundation is asking you to help them reach their fundraising goal of $5,000. Simply choose them as your charity of choice when registering.

DuPage Human Race--in support of the Sensory Garden Playground's Play for All Foundation!
Saturday, April 30th @ 9am
The Esplanade at Locust Point
1901 W. Butterfield Road, Downers Grove
Race fees increase April 1st! 
 
Learn more about the Sensory Garden Playgrounds's Play for All Foundation at www.playforalldupage.org.
Volunteering Benefits WDSRA!
Ribfest logoWant to know a great, fun way to help WDSRA? Volunteer at Ribfest! Work a shift (or two) then stay for the fun. The only thing needed is a friendly attitude 
and a willingness to have fun. All positions are easy to learn and any specific training will be given on site.    

Volunteers are needed to: serve beverages, assist in the identification tents, help in the children's play area, distribute information at the entrance gates, serve as parking attendants, assist in the cleanup of the grounds, and support the merchandising tent. 

Exchange Club of Naperville's Ribfest
Friday, July 1st- Monday, July 4th
Knoch Park, Naperville
Because volunteering with friends is always more fun, sign up with family, friends and coworkers. The more the better!
  
Positions fill up fast. Sign up at www.ribfest.net. Be sure to indicate you are volunteering on behalf of WDSRA.
WDSRA is committed to providing quality recreational programs, dedicated and trained staff, specialized equipment, and much needed scholarships. Your support provides the financial support needed to ensure that the cost of programs remains affordable throughout the year.


Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) 

116 N. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188-2103

P: 630-681-0962 | F: 630-681-1262 | 

www.wdsra.com