The fourth annual High Tea was held Wednesday, June 5 at the Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park. This special event was co-hosted by Sertoma Centre, Inc. and Sertoma Speech and Hearing Centre. We thank all the attendees and those who contributed to the success of the High Tea.
The photography included in this post was graciously provided by Backbeat Photography in Tinley Park, www.backbeatphotography.com
| SouthtownStar Newspaper |
| Aileen S. Andrew Foundation |
| Action Sertoma Club |
| Chicago Lawn Sertoma Club |
| Lemont Sertoma Club |
| POW-R Sertoma Club |
| Hickory Hills Sertoma Club |
| The Lombard Company |
| MPS Mulcahy, Pauritsch, Salvador & Co. |
| Proven Business Systems |
| Knights of Columbus |
| Great Lakes Bank |
| Ram Products, Inc. |
| D.M. Dykstra & Company |
| ESPO Engineering Corp. |
| Plastipak Packaging, Inc. |
| EXPO Answers |
| Tinley Park Sertoma Club |
| City of Palos Heights |
| Beggar’s Pizza |
| Denton Cartage |
| Pronger Smith Medical Care |
| Alliance Insurance/ Dom Porto |
| Stronghold Construction |
| Ultra Foods |
| Willow Florist |
| Mike’s Barber Shop |
| American Heritage Sertoma Club |
| Budget Sign Service |
| Fanning Communications |
| G & L Fire Gifts |
| Game Pazzo |
| Image Pact |
 |
|
Sertoma ready for biggest fundraiser Chicago Sertoma Centre Inc., which helps individuals with disabilities, is |
Check this out! The Housewares Super Sale 
will feature brand new merchandise from these manufacturers.
Aladdin/PMI
ARC International
CCA International
Certified International Corp.
Focus Electric
Goddards
Godinger
Hanna’s Candles
Home Essentials
Libman Company
Lipper International
Northern Labs
Old Williamsburg Candles
Polder
Prodyne
R Squared (Formerly Zrike)
Regents
Salter
Stonewall Kitchens
Taylor
Vessel Glassware
Willert
Wilton Armetale
It was smooth sailing at the Silent Partner Dinner on Friday, February 8.
We thank those who helped make this evening possible:
- Culinary Creations by Angie
- Lisa Scherer of Aged 2 Perfection
- Oak Lawn Hilton Consumers from Sertoma Centre and the CILA Homes
- Sertoma Centre Volunteers
Special Thanks to Those Who Generously Donated Items for the Raffle:
- Egon and Dorothy Menker
- Jenny’s Steak House
- Patio Restaurant
Silent Partners – Their Generosity is our Anchor, and their Support Keeps us on Course.
Sertoma United Members (left to right) Baltazar Alpuche, Archie Garrett, Derrick Hudson and Tanya Crew, delivered a vanload of food, diapers, clothing and personal hygiene products to Together We Cope in Tinley Park, IL.
Sertoma Self-Advocates Pay It Forward
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a social service agency serving individuals with disabilities which depends on the community for support. Those who provide financial support or donate their time often feel good about making a difference in the lives of others. Sertoma United members also enjoy the feeling of paying it forward. On Friday January 4th members of Sertoma United delivered a vanload of non- perishable items to Together We Cope in Tinley Park, IL. This is their 3rd food drive and the second year they donated to Together We Cope.
Their timing could not have been better with so many food pantries and crisis centers running on empty after the holidays. The group also felt that since our country has been struggling through tough financial times, there was no more important time than now for this project. Sertoma United is Sertoma’s Self Advocacy program which encourages its members to advocate for themselves and others. Member, Derrick Hudson said, “I want to thank Together We Cope for helping to get food to those people who need it. I would like to participate with Together We Cope more in the future.” The program seeks to teach individuals with disabilities at Sertoma Centre the skills to advocate for their goals and desires in life. For more information about this program please contact Melissa Sands at 708-730-6343 or msands@sertomacentre.org.
Together We Cope is a not-for –profit that serves families and individuals who are going through a crisis. The organization provides clothing, food, financial assistance and guides families in more than 20 communities throughout Bremen, Palos, Orland and Worth townships.
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services for more than 725 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. For more information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. (708) 730-6206, or achmura@sertomacentre.org. For additional resources visit www.sertomacentre.org.
Over 300 people attended the event.
Sertoma consumers know how to have a good time. They enjoy, good food, great music, and an nice award presentations. However, if you throw in photo booth and a Michael Jackson impersonator then you really have PARTY. The more than 300 guests who attended this event had an awesome time at the Lexington House in Hickory Hills on Dec. 2.
Rico the Michael Jackson impersonator, got the crowd on their feet.
The consumers, their families and many of the Sertoma staff joined together to celebrate the holidays and the consumers achievements. Each year at the luncheon, service awards are presented to consumers who have been with Sertoma Centre for a significant number of years. Those with 5 years receive a certificate. Individuals with 10, 15, 20, 30, 35 and 40
years of service are presented with engraved plaques by Gus van den Brink, Executive Director of Sertoma Centre, Inc.
Special thanks the staff committee who plan this event each year. They work hard to insure that everyone has a wonderful time.
Some of our wonderful volunteers!
Submitted by Laura Gardner, Holiday Bazaar Head Elf
I could not let this opportunity go by without thanking everyone for making the Holiday Bazaar such a success. So many people were involved in creating this wonderful event and I would be remiss not to mention them.
First and foremost I have to thank our Volunteers for whom without you, the Holiday Bazaar would not have been possible. There were over 25 volunteers that came together that day who put on a marvelous event. Family, friends, co-workers new and old and even a few high schoolers and one middle school student volunteered in any and every capacity you could think of to create a successful event.
To all our customers who shopped and supported our vendors and programs, thank you for choosing the Holiday Bazaar as one of your shopping destinations this year.
I would also like to thank our Janitorial crew at Sertoma who do a
marvelous job every day, but really helped us out with set up and take down and everything in between.
A big thank you to the transportation department for bringing over consumers from 127th street and Matteson to enjoy shopping at the Bazaar.
Thank you to the 123rd street consumers as they gave up their lunchroom for the day.
We appreciated all the help the team from Good as New provided with set-up and moving the Bazaar materials to the second floor!
Also a HUGE thank you to all our vendors who created and tinkered and glue gunned and crafted to make such lovely gifts for all to buy. We hope to see more in house vendors next year. A huge “WAY TO GO” to all our gift wrapping elves, especially from PepsiCo and our community who wrapped all gifts purchased at the Bazaar for FREE.
And of course to all the staff, family and friends who donated gift wrap, tissue paper, holiday bags, tape, ribbon, decorative boxes, craft items, Good as New items, and of course baked goods (YUM) a super duper colossal THANK YOU!! I keep asking and you keep delivering—your generosity is AMAZING!
I would also like to thank my wonderful Advancement team mates for keeping me sane and for all you did to help pull this Bazaar together: from creating crafts at Good as New, to making beautiful signs, to hanging decorations in stocking feet – you all make my job a wonderful thing to treasure! Thank you again to everyone who helped make the Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar such a phenomenal success!
With much gratitude,
Laura Gardner
Holiday Bazaar Head Elf
Welcome to the Winter Wonderland Holiday Bazaar
If you were not able to attend the Holiday Bazaar held on December 7th, there is always next year, but you missed out on a great time. Attendees were treated to wonderful day of shopping, browsing, eating, laughter and good cheer as everyone hunted for that perfect Holiday Gift. The North Pole Café served hot dog and hamburger meals while Holiday music played in the background. You could even enjoy coffee, hot cocoa and a baked treat from Mrs. Clause’s Bake Shop. All the elves in the gift wrap station were tuckered out from wrapping gifts purchased at the Bazaar.
Many consumers, family and friends joined the fun and frivolity the first week of December to help ring in the Holiday, Cheer. Above everything else, as I looked upon the Winter Wonderland before me, I was struck by the camaraderie and generous spirit of Sertoma Centre. There were so many staff, consumers and volunteers all working together to ensure everyone had a wonderful time.
Seeing our consumers interacting with one another as they shopped for gifts for loved ones, touched me deeply as I realized this is what it is all about: the Human Spirit. I realized that I am so lucky to work at a place that helps people foster their spirit as they strive for their own personal successes every day. Sure some people may say, “it was only a Bazaar, a place to shop like every other day.” But that’s the catch: for some of our individuals they don’t have the same opportunities that we do to do everyday things such as shop in a marketplace and buy a gift for someone they love. That was the sole driving force behind the Holiday Bazaar-giving everyone the chance to spread their own Holiday magic for the people they care about.
So if you didn’t get a chance to stop by this year, mark your calendar for December 6th, 2013 as the Bazaar promises to be bigger and better next year. On behalf of Sertoma Centre and Volunteer Services, we hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and
good luck for a fabulous New Year! More Event Photos!
Click this link to see all the photos from the event
Welcoming faces at registration (L-R Laura Gardner, Regina Robinson, Archie Garret
Gus van den Brink shared consumer success stories
Magical entertainment provided by John Measner and his lovely assistant, Robin.
L-R (Lorraine Barnes and Carol DeVries)
Insite Employee of the Year – Robert Mundy. The presenter- Dana McFarlin-Lloyd, EDS Program Coordinator.
Dinner attendees were invited to take part in the on stage magic show as well.
L-R (Dave Peksenak, Robert Mundy, Dana McFarlin-Lloyd)
Joe Varanauski
John Fanning, Fanning Communications with staff members.
Sertoma Centre celebrated National Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week by recognizing the 115 Direct Support Professionals who are committed to serving the individuals with disabilities.
Special activities and treats were provided each day of the weeklong celebration.
On Monday, all DSP staff received “Great People” buttons and banners were hung at all the Sertoma locations thanking “Great People Doing Great Things”.
Tuesday included a “Lunch on Us Raffle” where winners at each location received a gift for a free lunch.
On Wednesday there were 
beautiful cakes served at the Sertoma locations and cupcakes for the CILA homes.
Thursday morning, DSPs enjoyed complimentary coffee and snacks served in the staff lounge – which was decorated like a Coffee Cafe.
The finale on Friday included a tailgate lunch and Jersey day – which featured grilled burgers and dogs, plus tons of delicious side dishes provided by Sertoma Staff. Sandra Baker, a Direct Support Professional with 
Sertoma for eight years said, “[The week was] very nice, and much appreciated. Thanks to all who took the time to make us feel appreciated.”
Sertoma Centre is extremely proud of our DSP staff and thank them for the Great Work they do each day.
Regina Robinson, Lynn King, Laura Gardner, Amy Chmura were thrilled to be awarded the Abby Foundation Grant.
The luncheon included an exhibt area where Sertoma Centre provided attendees an opportuntiy to learn more about the many programs and services Sertoma Centre offers individuals with disabilities in the community.
The Abby Foundation’s mission: raise money and distribute it to established nonprofit organizations, who apply for a grants that help women and their children and fund scholarships for both young women and returning women.
Sertoma Centre requested the grant to expand the “Our Rights, Right Now” Healthy Relationships Group which focuses on prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault for women with disabilities. The goal of this group program is to educate women with disabilities about domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention, rights and resource options. The expansion of the program will include curriculum materials to add training modules focused on healthy relationships, sexuality, family planning and communication and interactions with significant others (such as partners, family members and legal guardians).
Funds will also be used to develop a speaker’s series with professionals in various related industries and an agency-wide awareness and education event that will be planned and implemented by the women in the group.
Celebrate the Magic of Sertoma Centre
Garrison
Sertoma Centre celebrates our four-legged friends each year with Bring Your Dog to Work Day. As part of our special day, Bill Downs and his CCI (Canine Companions for Independence) service dog Garrison demonstrated several of the 40 commands Garrison can perform.
Left to right; Bill Downs, Garrison, Fennel, Tom Dornback
Tom Dornback, a volunteer puppy raiser brought his puppy, Fennel to explain the 18 month process of raising puppies. Tom shared how much he enjoys training puppies like Fennel to someday be a canine companion for someone with a disability. Training service dogs like Garrison and Fennel can create life-changing independence for a person with a disability.
Turning on the light
Consumers and staff were amazed by the types of tasks these dogs are able to perform like; turning on the light switch, pulling a wheelchair, opening a door or picking something up off the floor. Even more astounding, is the amount of time and training that goes into raising the 4 different types of assistance dogs: Service, Hearing, Facility and Skilled Companions.
Fennel
Canine Companions for Independence is non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. If you are interested in volunteering, raising a puppy, making a donation or applying for a puppy go to cci.org or call 1/800-572-BARK.
Pictured from left to right; Terry Newsome, Andy Avalos of NBC Chicago and Gene Esposito Jr. at Game Pazzo, the World’s Largest Gaming Facility in Downers Grove, IL
Best Golf Outing in the South Suburbs!
The Action Sertoma Club is having their 12th Annual Golf Outing on July 11th, at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, IL. Registration is at 8:00 a.m., Shot Gun/Best Ball start 9:00 .m., cost $135, includes continental breakfast, Bloody Mary starter, lunch, refreshments on the course, cocktails and steak dinner after golf, prizes and games all day. Men and women golfers are invited to participate. To register, call or contact Joe Varanauski 708-921-0159 or joev1936@gmail.com.
Andy Avalos appears on NBC5 News Today’s weekday morning newscasts from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. He has more than 25 years of weather experience at NBC5 and previously at WLS-TV, where he worked as weekend forecaster from 1984 to 1994. Avalos also anchored weather reports on weekday mornings on FM-100.
The Action Sertoma Club is a friend and supporter of Sertoma Centre, Inc. which is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to nearly 700 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. For more information, to schedule a tour, volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, (708)730-6206 or achmura@sertomacentre.org. at Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. www.sertomacentre.org.
Pictured: Curtis Harrell, Lorez Stevens, Rev. Kenneth Lee, Suzan Simmons and Andre Moore
On Saturday June 8th, the classmates of Carver High School Class of 1982 celebrated their 30th graduation anniversary at Orland Chateau. Wishing to make a difference and give back, the class reunion organizers decided to collect donations for a cause near and dear to their hearts, children with autism.
One in every 88 children in the US has autism. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. has autism. Several classmates spoke that evening of how their lives have been effected by having a child on the autism spectrum.
Rev. Kenneth Lee graciously invited Sertoma Centre to stop by their reunion and speak briefly about Autism. Sertoma Centre sincerely thanks Rev. Lee for including us in their celebration and the Carver High School Class of 1982 for their generous donation to the Autism Services Program.
Sertoma Centre, Inc. was featured with Karen Meyer from ABC 7 News in the Disabilities Segment which aired on May 31, 2012
The segment featured Sertoma’s Seniors who participate in the Bridge Program. Click this link to see the video:
We are extremely proud of our Seniors and Staff who participated in this segment. We thank everyone who contributed to its success.
From left to right:
BIG Event 2012 – Highlights From SouthtownStar Newspaper’s Casey Toner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local Celebrity Judges Determine the Fate of Firefighter’s at Cook-off on April 28th.
Mayor Patrick E. Kitching, of Alsip, and Mayor Robert S. Straz, of Palos Heights, Illinois will participate as judges for the Firehouse Cook-off at Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event. Joining them on the judge’s panel is the award winning columnist, Phil Kadner and reporter Casey Toner, both from SouthtownStar Newspaper.
BIG Event is not just a chili cook-off, the participating firefighters from Chicago and the suburbs present the attendees with a wide variety of tasty dishes to sample. In addition to the great food the event offers:
- Dave Fleming, magician and juggler
- Live music by Sound Barrier
- Boomer from Windy City Thunderbolts
- Kids crafts, activities, video gaming and face painting
- Raffles and fun for the entire family
BIG Event 2012, is sponsored by SouthtownStar Newspaper, the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, Chicagoland area Sertoma Clubs and many local businesses. Please join us on Saturday April 28th, from 5 – 9 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL. Adults are $10 for entry fee donation/food sample tickets, children 12 & under $5, children under 3, free. Proceeds from the event benefit nearly 700 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc.
For more information, call 708-730-6206 or go to www.sertomacentre.org. Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.
Big Thanks to all the amazing people who helped with this years’ International Housewares Show at McCormick Place on March 13th.
We had such a great response this year! There were 130 volunteers from the community, family & friends of Sertoma Centre Consumers, Sertoma Clubs and Sertoma Centre staff. Everyone chipped in to do what they could. Anyone who has ever participated in the Housewares Show pack-up knows it takes the effort of many to make this undertaking a success.
We encourage everyone to stop by the Good as New Thrift Store to check out the latest merchandise from the 2012 Housewares Show.
