PAST FESTIVALS
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007

The mission of Nelarusky

To raise money and awareness for Special Olympics, as well as showcase upcoming talent, through an annual benefit concert at Metro in Chicago. It also provides young entrepreneurs an incredible learning opportunity to organize and plan en event, while performing community service.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The dream of Eunice Kennedy Shriver to help those with intellectual disabilities live a more normal life through sports, began with her back yard camp in the early 1960’s. Illinois takes great pride in the history of this amazing global movement, having been the site of the first Special Olympics games at Soldier Field and the home to some of the early visionaries in the movement. Today, there are Special Olympics programs in more than 150 countries.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship. They are able to do so with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information on Special Olympics Illinois visit www.soill.org.

Funds raised from Nelarusky will benefit hundreds of athletes who participate with Special Olympics Illinois. Earnings will assist with travel, meals and accommodations so that athletes can participate at no cost to them.

LAUREN MCCLUSKY

Lauren McClusky started Nelarusky (formerly known as McFest) in 2007 at the age of 16. Besides organizing this event each year and working at Jeff McClusky & Associates, Lauren has interned at The Windish Agency, and currently do312. Lauren has been recognized as one of America's leading young entrepreneurs by Sarah Cook, the founder of the Raising CEO Kids. She is now studying Music Business Management at Columbia College in Chicago.

CHRIS WIENKE

Chris Wienke is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Music Business. Also an employee at Jeff McClusky & Associates, Chris spends most of his time playing, writing, talking about, listening to, or thinking about music. As the vocalist/keyboardist of Chicago-based band Carbon Tigers, he has brought his wisdom on social media and DIY promotion to the JMA team.

Danielle Bemoras

Danielle Bemoras is a recent graduate of Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Communications and minor in Sociology. This is her 2nd year working on Nelarusky and this year is head of Sponsorship. Danielle has been involved with many charitable outreaches and enjoys collaborating her passion of helping others with her love for music.

Andy Keil

Andy recently launched Pop 'stache, a new music publication (and official media sponsor of Nelarusky). He realized Chicago's lack of community in the music scene while working at a large Chicago music publication; Pop 'stache was his answer. Andy is helping grow the Nelarusky brand both on and offline.

PRESS

"Nelarusky 2011 featured in Reuters Blog"

"Nelarusky 2011 featured in The Examiner"

"Nelarusky 2011 featured on do312"

"Nelarusky 2011 featured in the Evanston Review"

Lauren McClusky on Fox News Regarding Nelarusky 2010

Lauren McClusky on Raising CEO Kids Regarding McFest/Nelarusky

Lauren McClusky Featured on Sacred Heart Alumni Site

Nelarusky 2010 on Special Olympics IL Site

Nelarusky 2010 in The Chicago Tribune

Nelarusky 2010 featured on Yelp

Nelarusky 2010 on do312

Nelarusky 2010 on TribLocal

Nelarusky 2010 in Chicago Reader

Nelarusky 2010 on ZipScene Chicago

VIEW THE LINEUP!

august 3, 2011

@ METRO CHICAGO

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