Chef in Progress!
Farm to table
Will Rimland produce Chicago’s next Rick Bayless? We are delighted to share that Rimland has recently begun a partnership with the program Doors Open Dishes in a fundraising and awareness effort. Launched by Nicole Schnitzler, a food writer whose brother is an individual with autism, Doors Open Dishes is a unique initiative that pairs individuals with disabilities with chefs at local restaurants across Chicago. The chef meets with an individual with special needs to discuss and learn about the individual’s favorite foods and to develop an original dish—from a unique peanut butter and jelly sundae spin-off to a farm-to-table makeover of fried chicken—that is inspired by the conversation with the individual. The dish is then showcased at the chef’s restaurant, and the proceeds from sales of the dish go to the organization supporting the individual. We are thrilled to partner one of our very own residents with the team at the acclaimed Gold Coast Italian seafood restaurant Nico Osteria this November! Click here to find out more about Doors Open Dishes, and be sure to mark your calendars and whet your appetites for a memorable dinner at Nico Osteria this fall.
We Walked the Walk!
Executive Director Carolyn Keel and family are ready to Walk for Rimland!
The 5K Walk for Rimland fundraiser took place on Saturday, June 23 at 10:00am. We were thrilled to have 28 walkers participate this year on a warm but pleasant and sunny summer day.
Staying the course
The course started at Rimland’s headquarters in Evanston and took walkers west on Dempster and then through the picturesque Skokie Sculpture Park. Next, we headed north all the way to Oakton, which was the turnaround to bring walkers back to our starting point. Beyond walking and talking together in the fresh air and sunshine, the event also included a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction with prizes, including tickets to see the Beach Boys later this summer at Ravinia, Chicago Cubs tickets, and a golf package at the Evanston Canal Shores golf course.
On the trail
Each walker received a Rimland 5K Walk t-shirt and a Potbelly boxed lunch after the walk. Many thanks to everyone who participated in a great day for Rimland!
Zumba Fun for All
Rimland will be presenting a Zumba FUNdraiser on April 21st. The Zumba Dance Marathon will take place from 10am to 1pm at our headquarters (1265 Hartrey). Tickets can be purchased in advance here and there is also an option to support the event by buying a shirt. All proceeds go to Rimland and will help provide the best possible programming for the individuals we support. Join us! No previous knowledge of Zumba is necessary to have fun and support Rimland!
ButterBurgers for Rimland!
Three cheers for Rimland parents Karen Muyskens Ryan and Tom Ryan who, along with their friends, recently held a Culver’s fundraiser to support Rimland. Culver’s is a family-favorite, national restaurant franchise known for their made-to-order ButterBurgers, their famous Fresh Frozen Custard, and their genuine Wisconsin Cheese Curds. Culver’s is one of many restaurants and fast-food establishments that partner with non-profits to help raise funds. Karen and Tom took care of all the details, including arranging the event with their local Culver’s and spreading the word to their friends and other Culver’s patrons. On the day of the fundraiser, Culver’s donated to Rimland ten percent of the bills of patrons who mentioned Rimland when they ordered. We would like to thank Karen and Tom for generously organizing this fundraiser and for raising $312.52 on Rimland’s behalf.
With a song (of gratitude) in our hearts
Mike Mann and Friends perform at “Come Together”
The melody lingers on after the smashing success of our September fundraiser Come Together: A Day of Music to Benefit Rimland. Thanks to YOU, our loyal families, devoted friends, and generous supporters, Rimland was able to raise more than $20,000! And we couldn’t be more grateful for the contributions of the wonderful bands that shared the stage at the Old Town School of Folk Music: Beatles Ensemble, Boomerang, Mike Mann and Friends, Blue AdaptOrs, Somethings, FlatTop, North Branch, and Tangent feat. Steve Leavitt. (View more photos from the benefit here.)
If you weren’t able to attend the benefit, you can still make a donation to Rimland. All donations to Rimland are tax deductible and may be sent to Rimland at 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.
And don’t forget, you can support Rimland when you purchase through AmazonSmile!
Come Together Benefit: New Bands Added to Roster!
Benefit Flyer
We are pleased to announce several musical acts recently added to the line-up for our fall fundraiser Come Together: A Benefit for Rimland at the Old Town School of Folk Music on September 21, 2014 from 2:00pm-8:00pm. The exciting roster will feature:
BEATLES ENSEMBLE
BOOMERANG
MIKE MANN AND FRIENDS
BLUE ADAPTORS
SOMETHINGS
FLATTOP
NORTH BRANCH
TANGENT FEAT. STEVE LEAVITT
Tickets are available for a donation of only $20, and may be purchased directly from Rimland by calling 847-328-4090, ext. 227. All donations to Rimland are tax deductible and may be sent to Rimland at 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.
Thank you for your support, and see you at the benefit in September!
September Songs
Join us at the world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for an entertaining and fun-filled day of music to benefit Rimland. Classic rock and folk bands will perform throughout the day, while supporters can sing and swing to the rhythms of the music, find a bargain at the silent auction, and mingle with friends, family, Rimland staff, and guest artists.
Tickets for Come Together: A Day of Music to Benefit Rimland are only $20. You’ll enjoy sweet sounds and good times while making a tremendous difference in the lives of adults with autism and their families.
For tickets or for more information, contact Carolyn Keel or Tina Jones at 847-328-4090.