Dundee Rotary throws Halloween party for those with special needs

Two hundred sick and special needs children and adults will receive a Halloween treat on Sunday, Oct. 23, without contending with the wind, rain and cold air.

The annual party is sponsored by the Dundee Rotary Club.

In the safe, well-lighted confines of the Dundee Township Senior Center, the revelers will receive candy, enjoy refreshments and browse booths set up by local agencies.

“This is the 12th year we have sponsored the party,” said Al Treml, local Rotarian and party coordinator. “We’ve invited eight local service agencies to bring people to the party. This is one of our popular events”

Some of those agencies are Jayne Shover Easter Seals Center, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, the Dorothy deLacey Family Center in Carpentersville and Little City in Palatine.

Area residents with mental and physical disabilities and those who are chronically or terminally ill area also invited.

“There’s really no age limit on this party,” Treml said. “We have adults attend who are 30 and 40 years old with disabilities. It gives them a chance to enjoy Halloween, too.”

Dundee Rotarians put on the party and invite local groups to help them decorate the center and pass out treats. Dozens of volunteers, many from Dundee-Crown High School, guide the partygoers through the rows of tables and mountains of candy.

The senior center is the perfect setting, Treml said. There are no stairs to climb and revelers in wheelchairs or using walkers can easily move through the room.

“It’s gratifying to see how many people attend and have a good time. And it’s nice to see them come back year after year. We have children who look forward to this months in advance,” he said.

“For a lot of these people, this is the Halloween they can truly enjoy without having to go outside.”

The party will be from 1-4 p.m. The senior center is adjacent to the park district’s recreation center along Route 68 in East Dundee.

For information about the party or the Dundee Rotary Club, call Treml at (847) 658-6587.