Labor Group Raises Over $60,000 for Children's Charities

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 said its April 13 labor breakfast in Chicago raised more than $60,000 for Special Children’s Charities. (local150.org) (patch.com) The breakfast was billed as “United We’re #1 Fans” and ran from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on April 13, according to the event registration page. (secure.qgiv.com) Local 150 marketed the event with individual tickets priced at $150 and sponsorship tiers ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The invitation named Local 150 president-business manager James M. Sweeney alongside Special Children’s Charities board president Fran Hurley and executive director Amy Taylor. (local150.org) Special Children’s Charities says it supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicago. The nonprofit says it funds partner-run programs in athletics, arts and community enrichment. (specialchildrenscharities.org 1) (specialchildrenscharities.org 2) Its programs page says participants often come through Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools special recreation and education programs. The organization says it offers activities including Adventure Club television programming, virtual art and cooking classes, bowling and mini-golf. (specialchildrenscharities.org) Local 150 says it represents more than 24,000 workers in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa in construction, public works and related industries. That scale helps explain how a single breakfast could pull in five-figure sponsorships for a Chicago charity. (local150.org) Special Children’s Charities says it has operated since 1969 and reaches families in every Chicago neighborhood through its partnership model. The breakfast money is earmarked for that broader network rather than a single one-day event. (specialchildrenscharities.org) The result was a labor-backed fundraiser that turned union ticket sales and sponsorships into more than $60,000 for disability programs in Chicago. (patch.com)