Racing for Cause foundation takes place for fourth year

Last week, the Center for Disability Services (CDS) held its annual event "Racing for a Cause" for those who love sport cars, vintage automobiles and have a passion for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

This fundraising event that usually allows for a race and offers guests a rare opportunity to drive around world-class road course at the Autobahn Country Club in the opposite direction. 

Unfortunately, because of rain this year, the race outside couldn't happen.

While a group of cars did get together to follow each other to the event in unity, the program is very near and dear to one person's heart that started it - Jim Keck.

Keck, who's son Will died from Cerebral Palsy at nine years old, started the foundation with his wife Debbie.

"The event is a fundraiser for CDS," Keck said.

The event, which is in its fourth year, raises funds that offer different opportunities for families that have a child with a disability.

Camp SOAR (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation) is one of the main organizations that the funds get allocated to. SOAR provides services to help those with Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Down syndrome.

Money raised also helps the CDS, formerly United Cerebral Palsy, which makes it a mission to advance the independence of people with disabilities.

The CDS serves seven counties in Illinois, including Will.

"This will actually help fund some of those different projects we have at our school," said Gina Wysocki, Development Coordinator at the CDS. "Ages three to 22 is the age range which it helps. Jim and Debbie's son who was born with Cerebral Palsy was one of our students. Unfortunately he passed away, but this fund gives parents and children opportunities they usually couldn't do."

Guests who arrive are usually able to buy a raffle ticket to drive an Aston Martin around the track, but event without that prize, they were able to enjoy a band, eat inner, and view vintage automobiles.

The limit is 125 people that has been set each year, and even though it has not been met so far because it is somewhat new, Wysocki said within a few years she thinks it will be met.

"Because this thing is still in its infancy stage we haven't reached our goal of 125 people as of yet," Wysocki said. "We usually have between 65 to 95 people here, and I know as more people come and talk about while enjoying themselves we will grow in the coming years."