Little City Foundation’s Record-Breaking Attendance at Used Book Sale Generates Revenue for Children and Adults with Disabilities
Thousands of Chicagoans Gathered Last Week at the Little City Event Supporting Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie
PALATINE – June 16, 2009 – Drawing more than 8,000 community members from Chicagoland and surrounding states, the Little City Used Book Sale exceeded its sales expectations and raised more than $200,000 dollars for the children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities it serves throughout the Chicago region.
Organized by Little City Foundation, private donors contributed approximately 200,000 books that covered genres from children, music, and cooking to history, romance, and science fiction.
“Little City Foundation has been serving the Chicagoland community for nearly 50 years and we’re pleased that our numerous successful fundraising events continue to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities,” commented Little City Foundation Executive Director Shawn Jeffers. “We hope that by encouraging the invaluable gift of reading, we were also able to generate awareness of the needs of thousands of children and adults with disabilities in our communities.”
Chicagoans of all ages feverously searched through a sea of high-quality, deeply-discounted used books at the Little City Foundation Used Book Sale last week
Special guests included Rob Johnson, co-anchor of CBS 2's weekday newscasts, Chicago Tribune Music Critic and WBEZ Sound Opinions Host Greg Kot, who presented his recently released book, “Ripped,” and a special appearance by the Chicago Fire mascot, Sparky.
Little City Foundation Special Guest and CBS News Anchor Rob Johnson searches through the massive assortment of various literature; the event also offered hundreds of videos and CDs in addition to its impressive book collection of 200,000
Top sponsors included Midway Moving and Storage, Inc. (Presenting Sponsor), American Chartered Bank, Chicago Association of Realtors, Datatel, Harper College, individual families and community leaders, among others.
One of the most successful used book sales in the region, the Little City Foundation brought together thousands of community members to take advantage of countless, invaluable reading opportunities
In addition to its annual Used Book Sale, Little City Foundation offers unique and exclusive gifts available for purchase throughout the year. Created by the artists with developmental disabilities at the Little City Center for the Arts, the handcrafted items include art dolls, bags, and more. Visit www.littlecityarts.etsy.com.
To learn more about other Little City events including the upcoming Little City's Parent, Family and Guardian (PFG) Group 18th Annual Ted Arndt Memorial Golf Outing; the 7th Annual Ride for Smiles Pledge Run; and the 50th Anniversary Dinner, visit: www.littlecity.org/about/events.aspx.
For volunteer information, visit www.littlecity.org/volunteer/ or to donate visit www.littlecity.org/Service/default2.aspx.
To donate books for next year’s book sale, visit: www.littlecity.org/events/2009/booksale/donations.aspx.
For full information, contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or 847-221-7825 or visit www.littlecity.org.
About Little City
Established in 1959, Little City Foundation is committed to developing innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower people with disabilities in all stages of life. Little City offers a variety of residential options for children and adults, as well as vocational and employment opportunities. Programs and services include a special needs foster care and adoption program; in-home support to families raising a child with developmental disabilities; a full complement of recreational activities, including Special Olympics competition; a Resale Shop that provides employment for people with disabilities; and an award-winning Center for the Arts program that features visual, performance, media and fabric arts. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit www.littlecity.org.