Village Voyeur
Oak-Leyden Developmental Services, the agency in Oak Park that helps people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible, recently held its 22nd annual benefit. Held at Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory, the event was called "The Secret Garden." The celebration was on Friday, Aug.7.

Amid the conservatory's welcoming greenery, guests arrived to enjoy a songful cocktail reception as the Oak-Leyden choir performed. After dinner, Wayne Messmer, the well-known voice of many Chicago sporting events, hosted the evening's program.

The Oak Park and River Forest Food Pantry was honored with Oak-Leyden's President's Award for supporting the agency's mission: helping people with developmental disabilities meet life's challenges and reach their highest potential. Over the last year, the food pantry has worked with volunteers from Oak-Leyden. Such volunteer work helps adults with developmental disabilities gain life skills while giving back to their community.

Lisa Barany was given the Mighty Oak Award for vision that led to Oak-Leyden's Peer Support Group, an organization that affords other participants opportunities to expand their cultural and personal horizons.

Special recognition went to Regina Alexander, who, at 85½, is Oak-Leyden's most senior participant. Regina, an Oak Parker, first came to Oak-Leyden in 1978.

Festivities included dancing on the Blue Stone Patio to music provided by Cage & Aquarium.

The evening's fundraising, which included silent and live auctions, will benefit more than 500 adults and children whom Oak-Leyden serves.