April 2021 Update

Dear Friends of the Foundation,

The year 2021, has started out similar to 2020. Things continue to be very tough on charities and our foundation is no exception. Our Board and Advisory Board meeting scheduled in February had to be moved due to Covid-19 and has been rescheduled for 4PM-6PM on Sunday, May 23rd at Sunset Ridge Country Club. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Brennan and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Stewart are event hosts. The Stewarts we thank as our event sponsor, as well!

At the meeting, the Foundation’s Board and Advisory Board will present our Socrates Award winners for the 2020 year. Everyone is encouraged to attend and congratulate our new lifetime grantees. Ticket prices and suggested event donation amounts are listed on the website at brennanrehabfoundation.org. Space will be limited, so reserve a ticket by emailing cjb1133@gmail.com.

The Socrates Award is a grant to individuals who are nominated and vented through 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 this annual event. The grant must be used for equipment, in-home services, medication and/or therapy.

Additionally, the board reviews every year additional medical grants that are focused on improving the treatment of cervical neck injuries. We continue work with Rush Medical Center, Shirley Ryan and Froedtert in Milwaukee on these opportunities.

All though our initial Board and Advisory Board gathering in February has been rescheduled due to Covid concerns, the foundation has arranged with the Lake Forest Park District and 16 surrounding park districts to market and help manage our wheelchair race (The Wild Miles Wheelchair Race and Fun Run) and music festival (Wheelchair Fest). These are annual events which occur in August each year. Additionally, our casino night has been scheduled for this October, 2021. Please note, the Foundation’s website is active for online giving.

The Foundation is an all volunteer organization with 100% of all donations going towards the Foundation’s mission. If you have any further thoughts or questions, please feel free to give me a call (847-372-7429).

The Foundation is grateful to our annual sponsors: Wintrust Financial, Rush Medical Center, McGuire and Woods, LLP and Hill and Stone Insurance for their continued support. The Foundation is focused on growing this sponsor group 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 placement on the actual award as presenter.

Lastly, the Foundation has recently received a grant from The Granger Foundation. The Foundation is honored to be recognized for its work by such a highly regarded institution.

Regards,
Diane Krapf
Event Chair