Children living in foster care have been particularly hard hit as the many who live in group homes have been unable to leave those facilities during the pandemic. Not only did they miss out on summer fun, but for many of these children, they will miss out on Halloween trick or treating also.
However, kids living at LYDIA Home in Chicago got a Halloween surprise. Lincolnwood, Illinois based URB, Inc. sponsored the transformation of the private luxury yacht Adeline’s Sea Moose into a ghost pirate ship and a Halloween theme boat ride on Lake Michigan as a treat for a group of 15 foster kids.
On Monday, October 12, a school holiday, at 10 AM, the foster kids were greeted by the friendly pirate crew of Adeline’s Sea Moose. The kids had lunch on their ghost pirate ship, took a thrilling boat ride on Lake Michigan, and left with candy, treats, and memories of feeling very special.
URB founder Brian Urbanowski said that he was touched when his children decided to become foster parents and saddened to hear that the kids at LYDIA would not be able to trick or treat this year.
“I want to do something to remind these kids that they are special,” stated Brian Urbanowski, adding “I’m hoping a ride on a ghost pirate ship that they have all to themselves, and of course, the goodies and attention, will help make each of them feel very special.”
Providing hope, healing, and home to children in foster care, LYDIA serves children and families throughout Chicagoland, and their Safe Families program serves children across the country.
With a mission to strengthen families to care for children and care for children when families cannot, LYDIA’s programs serve youth in foster care and be a blessing to the local community.
Mr. Urbanowski has already started plans for a Christmas surprise and another water adventure on the Adeline’s Sea Moose in the spring for foster kids.
The Adeline’s Sea Moose is a 68-foot private yacht docked at Burnham Harbor that Mr. Urbanowski has used for his and his company’s charitable activities.
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For additional information, please contact Jonn Blazey (702) 205-2104
LYDIA provides Hope, Healing, and Home to children in foster care.
HOPE is a future. Lydia empowers kids exposed to trauma to believe in a brighter tomorrow.
HEALING is the restoration of God-given dignity. Lydia provides an integrated, holistic approach to help children recover from the emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse they’ve endured.
HOME is finding a child’s forever family. For those who live at Lydia, home means a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow.