Our History
Special Children's Charities was founded in 1969 to fund special recreation programs administered by the Chicago Park District, which later expanded to Chicago Public Schools and other agencies throughout the city.
Special Children's Charities currently develops and funds a wide range of recreational, educational and social activities that encourage physical and mental health for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality programming.
Our Mission
Since 1969, Special Children’s Charities has been the driving force behind inclusion and empowerment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicago.
Our high-quality athletic, educational and life-enriching programs inspire our participants to dream big, overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Our transformative programs champion the rights and potential of individuals, support their families and uplift communities.
Our Vision
Special Children’s Charities aims to transcend boundaries and redefine possibilities by serving as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity within both the disability community and the City of Chicago.
We aspire to be recognized as the trusted leader in ensuring access to athletic, educational and life-enriching opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and enabled to thrive.
Our Values
Our Team
Our dedicated team is at the heart of everything we do.
From our passionate board of directors and staff to our dynamic associate board members and their friends, we deeply appreciate their relentless efforts to ensure the success and impact of our programs.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Ray Baker
President
Bridge – Dual Enrollment Program, Hinsdale District 86
Matt O’Shea
Vice President
Council Member,
City of Chicago
Pam Munizzi
Secretary
Terry Muldoon
Treasurer
Consultant, Capital
Market Solutions
Carolyn Daley
Past President
Partner, Power Rogers
Trial Lawyers
Board Members
Mike Andolina
Partner, White & Case LLP
Kam Buckner
Illinois State Representative
Tony DiPaolo
Senior Vice President,
LAZ Parking
Tom Gray
Seanache LLC
Zachary Harbour
Executive Vice President
Harbour Contractors, Inc.
Niall Hardiman
Client Director,
Service Now
Marcie Harrison
The Harrison
Group, Inc.
Fran Hurley
Retired Illinois State
Representative of
35th District
Dan Koors
Chief Operating
Officer, Jackson National Asset Management
Jennifer Kramer
Sales Manager,
ACCESS Destination Services
Saul Lopez
Managing Partner,
Alpha Lupa Capital
Kevin Magnuson
Attorney/ NHLPA Licensed Agent, KO Sports, Inc.
Brenda McHugh
Sheila O’Callaghan
Retired, Chicago Public Schools
Juan Ochoa
President, CEO, Miramar Group, Inc.
Smita Shah
CEO, SPAAN Tech, Inc.
Jim “Skinny”
Sheahan
Chair, Development Committee
Alando Tucker
Special Projects and Strategy Director, East Lake Management & Development Co.
Advisory Board Members
Sarah Burke
Director, Community Affairs, Northwestern Memorial Foundation
Colleen Doherty
Michael Sheahan, Jr.
East Lake Management & Development Co.
Special Children’s Charities Staff
Kelly Powers
Interim Executive Director
Ext. 401
Marybeth Carlson
Director of Finance & Administration
Ext. 603
Ann Hartnett
Director of Development
Ext. 301
Associate Board
The Associate Board of Special Children's Charities is a dynamic group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the organization's mission by planning and participating in fundraising and volunteering events throughout the year.
Apply now
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of partners who share our vision for an inclusive community.
From corporate sponsors to community organizations, these partnerships are essential in helping us deliver high-quality programs and services.
