Labor Unites for Special Children’s Charities Fundraiser

April 15, 2026

BURR RIDGE – More than just a fundraiser, the April Labor Breakfast hosted by IUOE Local 150 brought together Labor leaders, elected officials, community advocates, and supporters of Special Children’s Charities (SCC) to celebrate inclusion and raise funds for programs serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicago.

The event highlighted the shared values between Organized Labor and SCC — ensuring opportunity, dignity, and support for all members of the community. IUOE Local 150 raised over $60,000 at the event.

The morning opened with an invocation from Father Thomas Hurley, pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and vice president of advancement and ministry at Marist High School. Drawing on a personal family connection to Organized Labor, Hurley reflected on the recent discovery of his great-grandfather’s more than 120-year-old IBEW Local 134 pin after his mother’s passing.

“When I think about being here today for this event, I think about a beautiful combination,” Hurley said. “When you think about the combination of these Unions [IBEW and Operating Engineers] — it’s light, and it’s those who move the Earth.” This metaphor is how he thinks about SCC. He compared it, and Organized Labor as forces that bring light and positive change to society.

“Special Children’s Charities is an organization that brings light to the world and brings light to a lot of people,” he said. “And by doing that, Special Children’s Charities moves the Earth. It moves the goodness of society.”

IUOE Local 150 President-Business Manager James M. Sweeney, who also serves on the board of SCC, welcomed attendees and emphasized the alignment between the Labor movement and the organization’s mission.

“Special Children’s Charities isn’t just a name,” Sweeney said. “It’s opportunity. It’s access. It’s dignity in making sure children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not left on the sidelines, but are fully included, supported, and celebrated.”

Sweeney noted that the breakfast theme, “From the Front Lines to the Sidelines, United,” reflected Labor’s commitment to supporting individuals and families beyond the workplace.

“The programs supported by Special Children’s Charities, from athletics to the arts, do more than provide activities,” Sweeney said. “They build confidence, they create connection, and they open doors. Most importantly, they remind every participant that they belong.”

SCC Board President Fran Hurley thanked Local 150 for hosting what organizers hope will become an annual event.

“Thank you for being willing to host our first of many Labor Breakfasts,” Hurley told attendees. “It is a wonderful feeling to stand in a room with a bunch of people who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

SCC Executive Director Amy Taylor shared how the organization works with partners, including the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and community organizations to provide recreation, arts, and therapeutic programming throughout the city. She said transportation remains one of the largest barriers facing many families seeking services.

“Without transportation, there is no access, and there is no connection,” she explained.

The organization serves more than 6,000 children and adults annually through programs operating in more than 250 parks and schools across all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Many participants come from lower-income communities where access to adaptive programming can be limited.

Taylor explained that funds raised through events such as the Labor Breakfast help provide trained staff, adaptive equipment, transportation, and opportunities ranging from art and music therapy to outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.

“Every dollar we raise stays in Chicago, supporting local programs in our communities,” Taylor said.

Attendees also heard firsthand about the impact of those programs from SCC Ambassador Kara McElligott.

McElligott spoke about her experiences participating in skiing and sailing programs and recalled a life-changing opportunity to travel to Hawaii through the organization. “It was the best experience I ever had,” McElligott said. “It was something I thought I’d never have in my life.”

She credited the programs with helping her build friendships, gain confidence, and continue exploring new opportunities. “Fundraisers like this help us out a lot,” McElligott said. “Today is a great day, and I appreciate all you guys’ help.”

As the event concluded, Sweeney said the event shows “ the Labor community continues to stand strong in support of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all.”