Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK) a non-profit organization that aims to enhance the well being of children with special medical needs and their families, recently announced that it will host its 5th annual Healing Retreat serving families from Chicago and other parts of the country.
The Healing Retreat, which drew about 250 people this year and is ITK’s largest annual event, offers an unforgettable opportunity for families to experience a wide range of cutting-edge holistic therapies and healthy-living concepts — from massage and meditation to organic cooking, equine therapy and beyond. These programs provide participating families with a range of integrative therapeutic services and coping skills, while helping communities remove the stigma of children’s disabilities or illnesses.
The ITK Healing Retreats are offered at no cost to families thanks to fundraising efforts in Chicago and Tucson, Arizona, where the week-long program is held. “ITK and our Healing Programs are about helping families cope with the day-to-day difficulties they face; but more importantly, it’s about celebrating the gifts these children have to offer, and helping the entire community see that.” says Shay Beider, M.P.H., L.M.T., founder and executive director of ITK.
This year’s Chicago fundraising event, Cocktails for a Cause, will be held November 3rd at the East Bank Club. The event will include a Top Flight auction and raffle with vacation packages, exclusive events, jewelry, sports memorabilia and more. Entertainment will include a fashion and beauty extravaganza — with fine fashions from Shalini Styles and Lori’s Shoes and hair and makeup by JStranD Hair and Beauty — and live music and dancing with Robbie Gold.
In addition to the night’s festivities, attendees will have a chance to meet families that have participated in ITK’s Healing Programs and hear their stories. A brief video will give attendees an inside look at the annual Healing Retreat in Tucson, Ariz., and the profound effect it has on the families that attend.
To learn more about ITK and the Cocktails for a Cause event, contact James Schulman at james@integrativetouch.org or visit www.integrativetouch.org. Follow ITK on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HelpUsSoar.
About Integrative Touch for Kids
Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK) is a non-profit organization that that aims to enhance the well being of families of children with special medical needs — through a new wellness model and community involvement. ITK provides ongoing education and access to a range of therapeutic services that address mind, body and spirit to improve awareness and quality of life. ITK’s philosophy — whole child, whole family, whole community — recognizes that when a child has special needs, a family has special needs; by involving the local community, ITK aims to form networks of support and diminish the social isolation these families often feel.