NSSRA Participants and Community Enjoy Dinner
and Live Music at 9th Annual Summer Bash
Lightning may have cut the evening short at this
year's Summer Bash, the annual end-of-summer
party hosted by Northern Suburban Special
Recreation Association (NSSRA), but participants,
families and supporters soaked up every last minute
of fun and sunshine before heading home.
“Summer Bash is one of my favorite evenings every
year,” said NSSRA Executive Director Craig Culp.
“Our participants know how to celebrate life and
they show us all how to enjoy life to the fullest, even
under threat of thunderstorms.”
Taking place Wednesday, August 15, over 300
people gathered at Techny Prairie Park in Northbrook
for food, live music from band Recycle the Day and
one last ‘bash’ together to mark summer’s end.
Attendees also enjoyed playing lawn games, balloon
art from Nick Connell and creative face painting from
artist Amy Lee.
“NSSRA participants came ready to dance the night
away,” said NSSRA Recreation Specialist Abby
Whalen. “The band even jumped off the stage to join
the dance party, it was so great to see how much fun
everyone was having!”
“Summer Bash goes on every year rain or shine, with
the one exception being lightning,” continued Culp.
“This year we got some sunshine, a little rain, and
then finally had to call it a night after lightning was
16
spotted and storms became imminent. Even with all
of that we still had a great time.”
Founded in 1970, NSSRA serves approximately
1,600 children, teens and adults with disabilities
living in its partner communities throughout the
northern suburbs. With over 500 recreation, sport,
cultural and social offerings available during the
day, after school, in the evenings and on weekends,
NSSRA is dedicated to creating new experiences,
opportunities for leisure time, skill development and
perhaps most importantly, friendship.
“We can’t wait for next year’s Summer Bash, and
hopefully the weather will cooperate,” continued
Whalen. “Either way, the NSSRA family knows how to
have a blast rain or shine.”
The evening is sponsored by NSSRA Foundation,
allowing participants, families and staff to attend
free of charge. Local business and family sponsors
included the Slotnick Family of Northbrook
(Presenting Sponsor), Call One (Tent Sponsor), D&R
Autoworks of Highland Park (Dinner Sponsor), By
Your Side – Autism Therapy Services (Photography
Sponsor) and Trane (Photography Sponsor).
View photos and watch
our wrap up video at
www.nssra.org.
Register online at register.nssra.org.