In 1995, volunteer Rob Schiferl, of Wheeling, IL met Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) participant John Terrelli (also known as JT) at a NWSRA softball program. Through these programs, individuals with disabilities were paired with volunteers, forming friendships and creating an environment of inclusion. JT, who has an educable mental disability, was partnered with Rob at the softball practices and games. As teammates, they pushed each other to improve their play on the field, while developing a friendship through their passion for softball. Throughout his volunteer experiences, NWSRA participants and staff noticed the passion that Rob had for helping in any way possible and promoting the need for recreation. Rob and John eventually traveled to compete in the Unified Sports World Softball Games, held in Connecticut. This trip of a lifetime strengthened Rob’s passion for volunteerism, while enabling Rob and JT to grow their friendship. JT’s father, John Terrelli, Sr. stated, “Over the years, Rob and John have remained very good friends, talking about family, work and especially the Cubs. One of JT’s favorite memories is when he and Rob played softball together at the World Games.”
Stemming from his growing passion to help children and adults with disabilities live full, productive lives, Rob approached his employer, Wheeling- based Terrazzo and Marble Supply Companies, to help. In 2003, the first Terrazzo and Marble Supply Companies Golf Outing was organized as a small fundraiser to support Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), the fundraising arm of NWSRA. T & M employees as well as corporate contacts were recruited toward this community-based philanthropy event.
Sixteen golfers came to support the cause that year, raising just over $7,000. This amount directly supported scholarships, accessible transportation, inclusion opportunities, athletics and more for children adults with disabilities to recreate at their highest level of ability. Over the years, this small gesture of community service grew into a company philosophy. Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies gradually invested more time and resources into the event, encouraging existing and new business partners to join them in community philanthropy. As these partnerships grew, the value of involvement became evident, as the businesses aligned themselves toward the common mission of helping individuals with disabilities.
Since the inception of this event, Terrazzo and Marble Supply Companies has engaged over 110 businesses from throughout the Chicagoland area and throughout the world. Antolini Luigi & C SPA, located in Sega di Cavion, Italy, is a producer of natural stone, and partnered with T & M in 2016 to sponsor this year’s outing.
Through the continued support of T&M and their vendors/customers from across the world, the event has raised more than $177,000. This funding has helped to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to have fun, make friends, go new places, learn new things, be included and celebrate their lives. Each dollar raised has enabled the possibility of another life-changing friendship, and this partnership has truly made an impact on the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
About SLSF:
SLSF is the fundraising arm of NWSRA, raising funds to support scholarships, accessible transportation, inclusion, athletics and general programs. NWSRA is a nonprofit organization that has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities throughout 17 northwest suburbs in Chicago by providing outstanding recreational opportunities in a safe, supportive and social setting for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award in 2013 for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA’s programs and success stories, please visit our website: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at 847-392-2848.