Mr. Bryan D. Hancock had the honor of cutting the ribbon and opening the brand new Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Center at Easterseals Chicagoland and Rockford’s Grand Entrance Gala Friday, February 28th. Bryan was joined by his father, Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 and Local No. 731 President Terrence J. Hancock and fellow siblings, Andrew and Colin Hancock in welcoming the attendees into the new state-of-the-art facility.

Easterseals’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sara Ray Stoelinga said the Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Center opens up a whole new world of possibilities to the Easterseals family at the Terrence J. Hancock Family Campus on Chicago’s West Side.

“We are honored to be opening the doors to our new state-of-the-art Fitness, Wellness and Recreation Center, which will enrich the lives of individuals living with autism and other disabilities as well as the community,” Stoelinga. “Health and wellness activities are a key aspect of the holistic approach that Easterseals Academy uses to enrich the academic, social, and socio-emotional development of the youth we serve. The addition of this gymnasium to our facility tremendously benefits our students and staff. At the same time, we look forward to expanded opportunities to engage the surrounding West Side community.”

Both Bryan and Terry addressed the crowd and expressed their sincere gratitude to the many contributors, volunteers and corporate vendors who graciously donated financially and of their important time and energy to produce and host such a wonderful event.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make tonight happen. We all have it pretty good in live…we are most grateful to Easterseals for extending the offer to participate and lend assistance to this heartfelt cause. Thank you on behalf of my family and the Teamsters Union” said Terrence J. Hancock.

The Grand Entrance Gala also feature a performance by The Naturals, a four-person musical ensemble including Terry Bracey and Maurice Snell, former Easterseals Academy students with Autism who developed their musical talent through music therapy offerings at Easterseals Academy.

Easterseals is a nationwide organization that aims to help individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families by high-quality programs including autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care and more. According to their mission statement, “In schools, workplaces and communities, we’re fostering environments where everyone is included and valued – with a real and positive impact on us all. Join us in ensuring that everyone – regardless of age or ability – is 100% included and 100% empowered.“ Easterseals has 69 affiliate members across the United States and serve 1.5 million people.

For over a decade, the Hancock family and the Teamsters Union have partnered and pledged to raise more than $2.5 million on behalf of Easterseals, and $7.2 million on behalf of autism research, awareness and support programs. Going on its 19th year, the annual “In Search of a Cure” Golf Event in honor of Bryan D. Hancock has become one of the leading autism fundraisers in the entire nation. The event has directly helped Easterseals construct its therapeutic campus, medical center, and now beautiful, advanced athletic center.

Teamsters Local 731 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.
Mr. Bryan D. Hancock had the honor of cutting the ribbon and opening the brand new Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Center at Easterseals Chicagoland and Rockford’s Grand Entrance Gala Friday, February 28th. Bryan was joined by his father, Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 and Local No. 731 President Terrence J. Hancock and fellow siblings, Andrew and Colin Hancock in welcoming the attendees into the new state-of-the-art facility.

Easterseals’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sara Ray Stoelinga said the Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Center opens up a whole new world of possibilities to the Easterseals family at the Terrence J. Hancock Family Campus on Chicago’s West Side.

“We are honored to be opening the doors to our new state-of-the-art Fitness, Wellness and Recreation Center, which will enrich the lives of individuals living with autism and other disabilities as well as the community,” Stoelinga. “Health and wellness activities are a key aspect of the holistic approach that Easterseals Academy uses to enrich the academic, social, and socio-emotional development of the youth we serve. The addition of this gymnasium to our facility tremendously benefits our students and staff. At the same time, we look forward to expanded opportunities to engage the surrounding West Side community.”

Both Bryan and Terry addressed the crowd and expressed their sincere gratitude to the many contributors, volunteers and corporate vendors who graciously donated financially and of their important time and energy to produce and host such a wonderful event.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make tonight happen. We all have it pretty good in live…we are most grateful to Easterseals for extending the offer to participate and lend assistance to this heartfelt cause. Thank you on behalf of my family and the Teamsters Union” said Terrence J. Hancock.

The Grand Entrance Gala also feature a performance by The Naturals, a four-person musical ensemble including Terry Bracey and Maurice Snell, former Easterseals Academy students with Autism who developed their musical talent through music therapy offerings at Easterseals Academy.

Easterseals is a nationwide organization that aims to help individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families by high-quality programs including autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care and more. According to their mission statement, “In schools, workplaces and communities, we’re fostering environments where everyone is included and valued – with a real and positive impact on us all. Join us in ensuring that everyone – regardless of age or ability – is 100% included and 100% empowered.“ Easterseals has 69 affiliate members across the United States and serve 1.5 million people.

For over a decade, the Hancock family and the Teamsters Union have partnered and pledged to raise more than $2.5 million on behalf of Easterseals, and $7.2 million on behalf of autism research, awareness and support programs. Going on its 19th year, the annual “In Search of a Cure” Golf Event in honor of Bryan D. Hancock has become one of the leading autism fundraisers in the entire nation. The event has directly helped Easterseals construct its therapeutic campus, medical center, and now beautiful, advanced athletic center.

Teamsters Local 731 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.