SLSF Celebrate Ability Gala

Join us on Friday, October 23, 2026, for an unforgettable night of celebration, connection, and community as we come together to support inclusive recreation opportunities and recognize the incredible individuals who make our mission possible.

Want to get involved?

• Register for the Gala and be part of an evening filled with smiles, inspiration, and impact! Proceeds from the Celebrate Ability Gala support inclusive recreation programs, scholarships, transportation services, and life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities through Northwest Special Recreation Association.
• Sponsor the event and showcase your support for individuals with disabilities.
• Donate a prize item  - Donate exciting items for baskets and prizes to help raise funds for life-changing programs. 

Here are the things you need to know to have the best evening:

Location: Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee Avenue Wheeling, IL 60090

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Attire: Black Tie Optional

Enjoy music throughout the evening from Treble Monsters!

Our evening's festivities will be as follows:

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Guest check-in and cocktail hour featuring passed appetizers, an open bar, and our signature Cranberry Vodka Spritzer. Capture the moment at the photo booth, try your luck with the Golden Spin Raffle, browse our Bucket o’ Cheer and silent auction items, and get the evening started with great company and excitement!

7:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Enjoy a seated dinner and wine as we present the NEW Award Recognition Ceremony - the Impact Award, the Kevin T. Kendrigan Spirit Award, and the Chairman’s Partnership Award. The evening will also feature our exciting Impact Auction, and the drawing of winners for the Golden Spin Raffle and Bucket o’ Cheer Raffle. The bar will close during dinner, but you can still raise a glass! Make a donation during the Impact Auction, and your table could receive a bottle of champagne to enjoy during the evening.

9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.: The bar will remain open for a final nightcap and continued socializing before you collect your auction winnings and head home.

Full Dinner Menu: to be announced soon!

NEW! Award Recognition Ceremony

We're excited to introduce a special new addition to the Celebrate Ability Gala as we honor outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication and support have helped advance the mission of the Special Leisure Services Foundation. All Nominees will be announced on July 15th. The winners will be announced during the Celebrate Ability Gala.

Chairman's Partnership Award
Through the Chairman's Partnership Award, we recognize respected leaders in the community who embrace our mission of supporting and promoting outstanding opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in cooperation with NWSRA. This year's nominees are:

• BEAR Construction – BEAR Construction has been a dedicated partner of the Special Leisure Services Foundation, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to inclusion and community impact. Through event sponsorships, attendance at Foundation events, and hands-on volunteerism through a Car Wash, Grilled Cheese, Rave events for NWSRA participants, caddies at the Birdies & Besties Golf Classic, golfers, Celebrate Ability Gala attendees, BEAR Construction has consistently supported opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive. Their team not only contributes financially but also actively engages with our mission, helping create meaningful experiences for participants and families. In partnership with NWSRA, BEAR Construction has also developed volunteer opportunities, like the BEAR Cares Volunteer Program that is an employee driven initiative that organizes and participates in various outreach programs, charitable events and other forms of volunteerism. Their continued support and dedication make BEAR Construction a truly deserving nominee.
• CDE Collision Centers – CDE Collision Centers has been a steadfast supporter of the Special Leisure Services Foundation and NWSRA, making a lasting impact through both philanthropy and community engagement. As the Presenting Sponsor of the Buffalo Grove Golf Classic for the past 9 years, CDE Collision Centers has played a vital role in helping raise funds that support recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Beyond their financial support, they have welcomed participants from NWSRA’s PURSUIT Adult Day Program for behind-the-scenes tours, providing meaningful educational experiences and opportunities to explore career pathways. Their long-standing commitment to inclusion, community partnership, and creating opportunities for participants makes CDE Collision Centers a deserving nominee.
• JCPenney Woodfield – JCPenney Woodfield has been an invaluable partner of the Special Leisure Services Foundation, serving as the clothing sponsor for the Fashion Show for the past 9 years. Their generous support helps make one of our most anticipated events possible, allowing participants to shine with confidence as they take the runway. Beyond their longstanding commitment, JCPenney continues to seek new ways to deepen their involvement with the Fashion Show and support the mission of SLSF. Their dedication to inclusion, community engagement, and creating memorable experiences for individuals with disabilities has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants and families, making them a deserving nominee.

Kevin T. Kendrigan (KTK) Spirit Award
The Kevin T. Kendrigan Spirit Award is presented to an individual who embodies the vision of NWSRA founder Kevin T. Kendrigan. Kevin's "get it done" attitude and spirit of generosity led him to create the Special Leisure Services Foundation to ensure that NWSRA programs were the best available, accessible, and affordable to all participants and their families. This year's nominees are: 

• Brian Berg Jr. – Brian has been a been a dedicated supporter of the Special Leisure Services Foundation for the past 8 years, consistently demonstrating his commitment to our mission through event attendance, sponsorships, and volunteer leadership. As a member of the Bridges of Poplar Creek Golf Classic committee, Brian has helped strengthen one of our key fundraising events while providing valuable insight and support. His generosity has continued to grow, and he is now in his third year as the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Through his ongoing involvement and dedication to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Brian has made a lasting impact on the Foundation and the communities we serve, making him a deserving nominee.
• Fred Hall– Fred has been a loyal and dedicated supporter of the Special Leisure Services Foundation since 1989. For more than three decades, Fred has demonstrated his commitment to our mission and advocated for NWSRA with Kevin Kendrigan. His support of the Foundation through sponsorship of the Palatine Hills Golf Classic, generous charitable contributions, and consistent attendance at Foundation events. His longstanding support has helped create opportunities and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities throughout our community. Fred’s unwavering generosity and dedication over the years have made a meaningful and lasting impact, making him a truly deserving nominee.
• Betsy Skibinski– Betsy has become a passionate advocate for the Special Leisure Services Foundation through her generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to sharing our mission with others. As the jewelry sponsor for the Fashion Show for the past 2 years and a prize donor for all SLSF events, Betsy has helped enhance the success of our fundraising events and create memorable experiences for participants and guests. Beyond her sponsorships, she serves as an advocate for SLSF, consistently introducing new people to our mission and sharing the impact of our work throughout her professional and personal networks. Her dedication to building awareness, fostering connections, and supporting individuals with disabilities makes Betsy a deserving nominee.