4123 Campaign

Opportunity knocked on SHORE’s door in 2005. The building that houses the Second Time Around Thrift & Gift Shop, 4123 Oakton in Skokie, went up for sale. For 22 years, volunteers who operate the thrift shop have donated their time and the profits from the shop to SHORE. Through their dedicated efforts, SHORE has received hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. These funds have gone directly to the programs that assist children and adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities learn skills to lead more productive, independent lives. So when opportunity knocked, SHORE answered by offering to acquire the 4123-25 Oakton building. This acquisition left the thrift shop in its place and created a new center for the Early Intervention program that opened in the fall of 2006.

For over 40 years, SHORE has endeavored to own the property that houses their programs. The first property purchased was SHORE School, now known as the Lois Lloyd Center, located at 2525 Church Street in Evanston. This was accomplished through a capital campaign led by parents and friends of individuals with developmental disabilities. The purchase of the Patricia Lloyd Townhomes followed in 1978. A capital campaign was again initiated to purchase two new residential facilities known as SHORE Homes, followed by the SHORE Joseph Koenig, Sr. Training Center, and a property to house administration. The most recent additions to the program sites include: the Jean F. Karger and Laura House, which are CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements). The funds to purchase the CILAs came from generous donors.

The costs to acquire the 4123-25 Oakton building and complete necessary renovations is $500,000. To raise the funds, organizers set up the 4123 Capital Campaign. To date, over $208,000 has been raised from the support of many private donors and foundations. Those who donate $5,000 or more become part of the 2413 Club. The name of this club is derived from the first site where SHORE held classes in the basement of a family home at 2413 Hartrey in Evanston. The Club’s name is also a reminder that people can be SHORE “founders” at any time, and that the work being done by SHORE will continue because of the generosity of people like you. In addition, members of the 2413 Club will have their names included on a plaque that is prominently displayed at the Early Intervention Center.

With still about $290,000 left to be raised with the 4123 Capital Campaign, a new project has been taken on as a way to exhaust the $500,000 goal. Rummage items are being collected for a sale to be held on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Dan Lloyd, Campaign Volunteer, has been collecting and organizing donated items for the last few months. He is looking for volunteers to help him with this process, as well as at the sale. If you're interested in volunteering or donating items, which can be picked up, please call Mr. Lloyd at (847)982-2030 x 11.

For more information, or to make a donation to the 4123 Capital Campaign, please call the Development Department at (847) 982-2030 x 21 or 25. Any support is most welcomed.