About Us

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

INCLUSIVITY
We champion inclusivity to celebrate the diversity among our participants and welcome everyone to compete, play and learn regardless of ability.
EMPOWERMENT
We ignite potential, fostering self-belief and action in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guiding them toward their own paths of strength and fulfillment.
COMMUNITY
We stand as more than an organization; we are a place to call home. With deep roots in Chicago and the disability community, the programming we support fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that resonates in the hearts and minds of all Chicagoans.
INSPIRATION
We serve as a source of inspiration, igniting hope and excitement for our participants and their families, and creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and possibility.
RESPECT
We foster a culture of respect, ensuring every individual feels encouraged and valued. We approach our work with empathy, kindness and understanding, recognizing the inherent value and humanity of every individual we serve.

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

Josh Bucher

Marketing Manager

Ext. 602

Maureen Perez

Program Manager

Ext. 203

Katherine Hall

Development Manager

Ext. 202

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.

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.