We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the 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.
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.
The Impact Award
The Impact Award recognizes a family whose dedication, advocacy, and involvement create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This award honors a family that actively participates in NWSRA programs while serving as a positive voice for inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility within the community. Through their commitment and support, they inspire others and help make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Join us as we celebrate these remarkable nominees and recognize the impact they have made in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Winners will be announced during the Celebrate Ability Gala.
What to do before October 23rd:
If you have not yet purchased tickets or would like to become a sponsor, click the Register/Sponsor button located at the top of the page. Please note that some sponsorship levels include event tickets, while others do not. Be sure to review the sponsorship benefits before making your selection.
Download the Givi App and log in or create an account if this is your first year joining us!
Enter your credit card information to make event entry and participation quick and easy
Purchase your raffle tickets for the Golden Spin and Bucket o’ Cheer Raffles by clicking on the Auctions & Raffle button located at the top of the page.
Browse our silent auction items starting Wednesday, October 21st by clicking on the Auctions & Raffle button located at the top of the page. Auction access information will be emailed to registered guests prior to the event.
We appreciate your understanding that all registrations and purchases are non-refundable.
You will only need cash if you would like to tip at the bar and coat check - all our event activities can be done through our event website. Bloomerang or the Givi App.
If you are interested in donating a prize or sponsoring please reach out to Liz Thomas at lthomas@slsf.me.
If you have any questions, feel free to email or call Event Coordinator, Megan O’Brien at mobrien@slsf.me or (847) 392-2848 ext. 267. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you on October 23rd!
