October 2020 Update

Dear Friends of the Foundation,

The purpose of this email is to update you on the progress of our foundation. The year 2020, has been very tough on charities and our foundation is no exception. Unfortunately, after our initial Board and Advisory Board gathering in February, the rest of our 2020 events were canceled due to Covid-19 concerns.

In August, the foundation had arranged with the Lake Forest Park District and 16 surrounding park districts to market our wheelchair race (The Wild Miles Wheelchair Race and Fun Run) and music festival (Wheelchair Fest). The race and festival will be annual events and are planned to return next year. Additionally, our casino night schedule for October has also been rescheduled for next year.

As we continue to move forward, we have started planning for 2021. The Foundation’s Board and Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for the third Sunday in February at SunSet Ridge Country Club. At this event, we will announce our 2021 Socrates’ Award winners.

The Socrates Award is a grant to individuals who are nominated and vetted by our nomination committee. We’re looking for individuals who are three years post cervical injury and exhibit the will to improve their mind and body while becoming exemplary citizens despite their disabilities. The award is a lifetime grant that is received every year as determined by the Board at the annual meeting. The grant is typically used for equipment, in-home services, medication and therapy. Click here to make a nomination for the 2021 Socrates Award.

Additionally, the Board plans to review and approve additional medical grants on an annual basis which are focused on improving the treatment of cervical neck injuries. We work closely with Rush Medical Center, Shirley Ryan and Froedtert in Milwaukee.

Several Board and Advisory Board members have signed up for various medical studies being performed at some of these institutions. All studies are focused on improving the physical and mental damage caused by a debilitating cervical neck injury.

The foundation’s three annual sponsors — Rush Medical Center, McGuireWoods, LLP, and Hill and Stone Insurance — has now been increased to four! Recently, WinTrust Financial has become a major donor. The Foundation is focused on growing in 2021 and finding an annual sponsor for the Socrates Award. The sponsor of the award will receive exposure at our events, on our website, in our correspondence, in our press releases and on the award.

Also, the Foundation is now listed on the Charity Navigator website. The website assists donors in evaluating charities for intelligent giving.

If you have any further thoughts or questions, please feel free to give me a call at (847) 372-7429.

Socrates Award Trophy