Change a Life with Just a Click!
We Still Need Your Help!
Will you help transform a life today?
Everyone deserves a place to belong, a chance to make new friends, try new things, and explore with their peers. Caregivers also need the chance to recharge. By donating today, you can make this possible. Your gift will transform lives — for participants and their families — as soon as the next program season.
While we successfully met the match goal, we’re still short of the funds needed to support the quality programming on which our participants and their families rely. Every gift brings us closer—your generosity WILL make a difference!
Please donate today!
Funds raised through the Annual Appeal are a vital part of our FY24-25 budget.
Match Opportunity through 12/15/24!
YOU DID IT!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who contributed $225 or more by 12/15… WE MET THE MATCH!
The match was made possible by The Scott and Trish Karll Charitable Fund, which matched all qualifying gifts with an additional $225!
If YOU are one of our amazing donors, we sincerely THANK YOU for your support and impact!
Hear Directly from Parents!
Erin’s Story – scroll down to read more about how WDSRA helped Erin open a new chapter of her life OR listen to Erin & her father as they share their story here.
Luke’s Story – Listen to Luke & Jana’s story here.
2024 Annual Appeal Goes thru 12/31/24!
A message from Dan Leahy, WDSRA Executive Director
Losing a loved one is a life-changing event that can overwhelm any of us. The feelings of isolation, grief, and loss are a challenge no one should face alone.
This was the case for Erin, a young woman living with cerebral palsy. Erin is fascinated by fairy tales, passionate about writing stories, and fueled by a deep love for her family and friends. The heartbreaking loss of her mother made it hard to recapture the magic of life.
Erin was overcome with grief and uncertainty on how to live without her mom at her side.
Erin felt her mom’s loss so deeply that even the simplest parts of life felt impossible. That’s when she found the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) – a community where Erin could thrive through friendship, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. The magic of connecting with others at just the right time provided Erin with the comfort and support she needed to begin moving forward.
WDSRA helped Erin build the bridge to process her grief and move on to a new chapter – one that begins with hope, connection, and support.
WDSRA programs serve as a lifeline for many like Erin. Erin’s story is a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities deserve every opportunity for joy, friendship, and a life full of adventure. Without the transformational work of organizations like WDSRA, individuals like Erin would face a continuous cycle of isolation and limited opportunities.
Your support will make a difference!
Whether it’s through adapted sports or specialized programs designed for individuals with disabilities, WDSRA creates spaces where healing can happen. Your generosity ensures that individuals with disabilities have the resources they need to thrive, dream, and create their own magic.
By making a donation, YOU can help Erin and others experience a life of belonging and magical moments through WDSRA.
Help us transform the narrative from isolation and grief to one of belonging, meaningful connections, and individuals achieving their fullest potential.
Will YOU make a difference in someone’s life by donating today?
And now, thanks to the generosity of The Scott and Trish Karll Charitable Fund, any gift of $225 or more made before December 15, 2024, will be matched with an additional $225, up to $12,500.
Will YOU make a gift today?
Corporate Giving Programs
Does your company have one? Employee matching gift programs are part of corporate giving programs in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations.
These are just some of the companies we know offer a matching program: Comcast, Exelon, Constellation, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, Thrivent Financial, Catalent Pharma Solutions, CVS Caremark, Pfizer, CIT Bank NA, PIMCO, Crowe, Abbvee, Costco.
For questions regarding your company’s programs, please contact your employer’s HR or community giving department. If we can assist in anyway, please contact Ann at annk@wdsra.com or 630-681-0962.
(WDSRA EIN #36-3932924). WDSRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
FY23-24 Gratitude Report
See the impact your donations had in FY23-24!
The momentum of FY23-24 was driven by the collective energy and dedication of our stakeholders, all committed to enriching the lives of participants and
their families. This shared purpose sparked the creation of opportunities that ensured everyone felt valued and supported. It also fostered collaboration with
both new and longstanding partners, harnessing our community’s passion for greater impact. Our commitment was to provide unparalleled services. We could not have done it without YOU! Read how your support is making an impact.
Contact Us
For more information on the WDSRA Foundation, contact WDSRA Superintendent of Communications & Development, Lea Jackman at 630-681-0962 ext. 580 or leaj@wdsra.com.