Washington Mutual Gives Back to the Community

Business Wire, Dec 12, 2006

Bank Brings Underprivileged Children to Drive-Thru Light Show

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- Thanks to the generosity of Washington Mutual, underprivileged children from throughout the Chicagoland area will get to experience a spectacular drive-thru holiday light show at Arlington Park Racecourse, as Washington Mutual presents Clearbrook's Wonderland of Lights.

Washington Mutual will provide the transportation for underprivileged children on three separate nights to this holiday light show. On December 12 and December 15, almost 150 children from the Valentine and Tilton Boys & Girls Club of Chicago will be dazzled by such fairy-tale-themed displays, including "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater," "The Old Lady That Lived in the Shoe," and "Cat and the Fiddle", as well as a new toy land display. Then after Christmas, on December 27, 50 more children from the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls will be able to marvel at the world's largest light tunnel of 150,000 lights measuring 600 feet by 300 feet, in addition to 12 animated light bulb arches, as well as all the other spectacular displays.

This show is open every evening through January 1, including all holidays, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday thru Thursday and from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Admission is $10 per car weekdays and $12 per car Friday thru Sunday. Proceeds from the show will help illuminate the lives of more than 2,900 children and adults with disabilities supported by Clearbrook each year.

Stop by any of Washington Mutual's conveniently located branches across Chicagoland to receive a $2.00 off coupon valid Monday through Thursday. To find the closest location, call (800) 788-7000 or visit wamu.com. For volunteer and other information, call the event hotline (847) 577-HOHO (4646) or visit clearbrook.org.

This holiday light show is also sponsored by Arlington Park Racecourse, NBC5, the Daily Herald, THE MIX 101.9 FM, Sheraton Chicago Northwest, Staples, Arlington Theaters, Meijer, and FTD. By filling out an entry form that will be handed out as you enter the light show, two lucky people will win a trip anywhere in the continental United States, courtesy of American Airlines.

Arlington Park Racetrack is located between Euclid Avenue and Northwest Highway, just east of Route 53 in Arlington Heights. The entrance to Wonderland of Lights is located off of Euclid Road. Guests will be able to tune to a special radio station once inside the park and enjoy holiday music and a word from the sponsors during their 20-minute dazzling adventure.

Since its establishment in 1955, Clearbrook has emerged as a leader in the field of developmental disabilities by creating innovative opportunities for more than 2,900 children and adults, as well as their families. Based in Northern Illinois, Clearbrook provides residential, day training and vocational services at 40-plus locations in many suburban communities of Chicago. With approximately 700 individuals on the current waiting list for residential services, 83 percent of every dollar raised by Clearbrook goes directly into programs and services.