The Ray Graham Association invites all to come and have a ball on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at its 34th Annual Gala Butterfly Ball. This fabulous fundraising event will be held at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge. Doors open at 6:30 pm and dinner is served at 8:00 p.m. The night also includes a silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails featuring a new Martini Luge ice sculpture that pours and pours. Last year the event raised approximately $79,000 to benefit and support programs for more than 2,500 children and adults with disabilities throughout the western suburbs. The Butterfly Ball promises to charm and entertain young and old alike with a live performance by Whata Bout Bob, a group of talented musicians that draws from an expanse of influences ranging from rock, classical, jazz and blues to funk, punk and dance. They have become one of the hottest and most talked about live bands in Chicago. Cash prizes include a grand prize of $2,500, second prize of $1,000 and third prize of $500. All raffle tickets may be purchased for $25 each or five for $100. Purchasers need not be present to win. If you would like to purchase a ticket prior to the Gala, please contact Jamie at (630) 628-7274. RGA is grateful to its sponsors for this event. They include: Platinum: O'Hare Honda & Hyundai; Gold: Park National Bank; Table: Great American Insurance Group, Humana, Chicago Plumbing Council & Kick Off for Kids; Silver: DeVry University, Westbrook Financial Services, Schiller Real Estate, FSH Communications, Minuteman Press, Laner Muchin & Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare; Bronze: Sundance Vacations & AUL Retirement Services (One America). Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The monarch butterfly, a RGA symbol, and people with disabilities share many of the same characteristics. Each is beautiful, resilient, fascinating, and courageous. Each meets their journey toward independence as an opportunity to soar to great heights in meeting life’s challenges. For more than 56 years, The Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities has been helping adults and children with developmental disabilities. The Ray Graham Association provides a broad array of services and support, including early intervention, residential, day programs and supported employment services, to thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the western suburbs. The Ray Graham Association is the first organization in the world that supports people with disabilities to be accredited by the Council on Quality Leadership using the Quality Measures 2005. The nonprofit organization was named in honor of the late Mr. Ray Graham, the first director of special education in Illinois. Gala tickets can be purchased for $150 using Visa/MasterCard, check or cash. For ticket information or more information on the Ray Graham Association and its services, please contact Jamie at (630) 628-7274 or visit us on the web at www.raygraham.org.