Few things make McCook Mayor Terrance Carr happier than handing out money to charitable organizations.
He doubled his pleasure at a recent village board meeting.
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago and the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL) both received checks for $12,500 that was raised at Brew Moon, McCook’s annual beer festival last October at The MAX.
“That’s a lot of money,” Carr said on Jan. 5. “It helps a lot.”
“Being able to hand (donations) to you means a lot for myself and, speaking on behalf of the board, they really enjoy when you guys come here to receive the checks,” Carr told the groups.
Carr thanked the approximately 100 or so volunteers who work behind the scenes each year helping make Brew Moon a success.
“We’re fortunate. We get to give the big checks away tonight, but it can’t be done without everybody involved,” Carr said.
“The charities, volunteers, our staff at the village. At the end of the day it takes a team to make it happen and I’m proud to be on the team.”
Steve Palmer, owner of The Stadium Club on the second floor of The MAX and director of the Brew Moon festival, spoke about each recipient. But he first thanked village officials.
“Thank you for believing about community, believing about giving back and believing in the mission. It’s very special and it’s something you do not see in other towns and other communities, what is done here,” Palmer said.
Both UCP Seguin and CAAEL “do great work and great things,” he said.
“One of the reasons I love being part of this business community is because of the support this village has and their commitment to doing great things. It’s impressive,” Palmer said.
Because the funds are unrestricted, the groups can use the money for whatever is needed. Palmer recalled one several years ago that used its donation to improve an ADA bathroom.
“Those little things, you don’t realize, are so important to a charity’s mission,” Palmer said.
Senior vice president Julie Lerch accepted on behalf of UCP Seguin.
“Thank you. I’m shocked. I’m so pleased. This is fabulous and I don’t know what we’re going to do with the money, but I will let you know,” Lerch said.
UCP Seguin serves 76 group homes and about 1,800 individuals, children and adults, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she said.
“This will go a long way and it will mean a lot. … We’re very grateful,” Lerch said.
President and CEO Sarah Lorenzi accepted the check for CAASEL. Her sister, Katie Trendel, is program administrator.
They are continuing the work of their late father, John Martin, who founded CAAEL 50 years ago.
“Thank you so much. This means the world to us,” Lorenzi said of the donation.
“We serve about 5,000 special education and at risk and special needs kids each year. … We have a very small staff. We have three paid employees running 1,100 events each year,” Lorenzi said.
Receiving a check for $12,500 ”is so appreciated,” she said.
The organization hosted a spelling bee at The MAX in January, she said.
“It’s a beautiful building and it feels big-time to the kids when they’re able to go to academic bowls and spelling bees there.
“We are super grateful for all the support. Thank you, thank you (from) my sister and I,” Lorenzi added.
And, yes, Carr assured those at the board meeting that Brew Moon will return Oct. 17.