Movie Fundraiser

Saturday, November 16, 2019
Doors open at 9am | Movie starts at 10am
The 11th Annual Oak Park Women’s Guild Movie Fundraiser will benefit the Ukmata family. After being selected for the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, the Ukmatas sacrificed two successful businesses in Kosovo to provide their young family with a safer life in the United States. They came to Oak Park with their two children, one in elementary school at the time, and one in preschool.

Upon arrival, Ardit was able to quickly secure a job, while Blerina continued to navigate a job search, given that her licensure did not transfer. The Ukmatas enrolled their oldest son in 5th grade at Holmes Elementary (now a 6th grader at Brooks Middle School) and their youngest has started preschool as well, preparing to enter Holmes in a couple of years. As the school year began, tragedy struck when Ardit had an accident at work in which he suffered from broken vertebrae, a broken collar bone, and a severe head injury. Local friends were able to support Blerina, and help provide some immediate back to school help. However, as their friends in the community learned the extent of Ardit’s injuries, it became clear that the family would need some additional help until he is cleared to return to work. While the workers’ compensation program has covered a bulk of the hospital and rehabilitation fees, they are facing other medical and therapy bills that are not covered during his recovery process.

Despite the difficult months that the Ukmatas have faced, they have remained hopeful and positive. Ardit has said that they are astounded at the generosity of our village and that he looks forward to a point when he can reach out to support neighbors just like the Oak Park community is doing for them now.

100% of proceeds will go to the Ukmata family to help reduce their current expenses from this medical crisis. We hope you will join us in rallying around this amazing family!