Illinois FreedomQuest '09

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Freedom Quest Decatur Rally ~ May 20, 2009

At 4:30 pm on May 20th, the Freedom Quest North East Route Riders arrived at Central Park in Decatur. We were greeted with cheers from a crowd of people who were waiting for us. We joined them for an out door event under beautiful skies.

Dreux Lewandowski and Molly Chapman from Macon Resources, Inc. welcomed everyone and then Brian D., self-advocate from Zion, opened the Rally with an inspiring speech.
Several people spoke from their hearts about their lives and what is important to them.

The riders were then treated with dinner at Macon Ice Cream and More before they left for Springfield.

Brian D., self-advocate from Zion, speaks in Decatur about Illinois services for people with developmental disabilities

Freedom Quest Pontiac Rally ~ May 20. 2009

In Pontiac, the riders were provided a nice lunch at a local church and then back outside for a wonderful Rally. The event included:

Opening by Shirley Paceley, Illinois Voices and Freedom Quest ’09 Planning Team Member

Original music—“Let’s ride to Freedom” written by Karen Donovan (who also played the guitar!) from Futures Unlimited and Nathan played the keyboards with vocals by Michael.

Brian B., self-advocate from Futures Unlimited, read a letter he had written his legislator…ten years ago and the issues are the same today. Brian said that change would come now because the self-advocates are speaking up!

Speeches by Rena, Brenda and Rudy (self-advocates) as well as an Open Mic were all inspiring.

A quiz show about the DD system of services in Illinois was next, then Lester Pritchard, Campaign for Real Choice and Freedom Quest 09 Planning Team Member, gave a speech.

The Ride for Freedom Music happened again, by popular demand

The Balloon Release release was the closing activity, capping off an awesome rally!