The second annual Celebrity Bartender raised over $9,000 for Lincoln’s Place on June 14th at the Abraw Eagles Club and the Westside Lounge. Throughout the night local celebrities served drinks at the two establishments as they battled to raise the most money. The winning duo was Susan Lindley and Lanette Huddleston and the Eagles Club won for the location.
The first shift was Susan and Lanette at the Eagles and Matt and Lea Creadore at the West Side. The second shift was Norris Electric at the West Side and Dynegy at the Eagles, The third shift was Muddy Saloon with Kent and Bri at the West Side and Roni and Tonya from MVP at the Eagles.
Lincoln’s Place is an inclusive playground. The following is the story behind Lincoln’s playground. “Lincoln was born a healthy, 8 pound, baby boy, and to say that his dad and I were nervous would be an understatement. He was our first child, and we really did not know what to expect. To our relief, he seemed to be in perfect health and developing at a normal rate. Around 18 months, however, we started to notice more and more differences between Lincoln and his peers. He had a very difficult time interacting with others (especially children his own age) and began the slow process of becoming completely nonverbal. He seemed to just be in his own world that no one else was able to understand. After many doctors’ visits and tests, Lincoln was diagnosed with severe autism and partial Trisomy 16 a month before his 3rd birthday.
Through many hours of therapy and special schooling, Lincoln has come a long way. However, he still has difficulties understanding his limitations and safety, like many children on the autism spectrum. Bringing Lincoln and his siblings to the park is very different for our family when compared to others. It consists of his dad or I following Lincoln up stairs, down slides and across fields when he decides he is overwhelmed. Unfortunately for us, and many other special needs families, this means going to a park is typically not an option.
Having a park that is surrounded by a fence and low to the ground will give all children the independence they need to grow and learn. The sensory panels will provide activities that all children (whether on the spectrum or not) will enjoy. The entire playground and ground is wheelchair accessible, so all children are able to play side by side. An inclusive park helps teach children that everyone can be together. When children see a person with a disability having fun doing the same things, it can change their perception of disabilities. Lincoln and all other children deserve to feel included, which is why we felt the need for “Lincoln’s Place – where everybody comes to play”.
If you feel inclined to make a monetary contribution towards our fund, donations can be made at www.enrichingourcommunity.org/LincolnsPlace or mailed to Southeastern Community Foundation, PO BOX 1211, Effingham, IL, 62401. Please make checks payable to “Lincoln’s Place Fund”.’
