Celebrating the 9th year, NELARUSKY has become one of the premier launch parties for Chicago’s Lollapalooza. Since its launch, the event, which is held at Metro in Chicago, has featured bands including Imagine Dragons, Icona Pop and Alabama Shakes.
On July 29, Nelarusky 9 didn’t disappoint fans at the sold-out concert. Bands Young Buffalo and John Splithoff entertained more than 900 audience members before headliner Toro y Moi took the stage.
Event organizer Lauren McClusky invited Special Olympics Illinois athletes, Barbara Kozdron and Christine Maxwell to join her on stage and introduced them to the audience before she announced the amount of the donation. The proceeds of Nelarusky is $25,000 and will once again be shared with Special Olympics Illinois.
Kathy McLaughlin, Director of Development for Special Olympics Illinois, accepted the check and acknowledged the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that Lauren and her team demonstrate through the months of planning. “Special Olympics Illinois is extremely grateful for Lauren’s dedication and passion for Special Olympics,” she said. “We are thrilled to accept this donation to support children and adults who participate with Special Olympics Illinois and we thank each of you for joining us tonight and sharing in the celebration.”
Sponsors included Sterling Partners, Haley & Michaels, Jim Peterick, 300 Entertainment, iHeart Media and Bluewater Publishing. Additional contributions were shared by HUB51, C3 Presents, Cramer PR, the Metro and Do312.