Great Escapes: Coneys for a Cause

Diners at Thursday's annual dinner will be eating for a cause.

The annual event, catered by National Coney Island, is the biggest fundraiser for St. Clair Shores Special Needs Children's Playground Program.

For 15 years, the parks and recreation department has provided a summer of events for dozens of special needs children in the city.

The free program allows children to take field trips, exercise and not interrupt their education and routine developed during the school year.

"There are no user fees thanks to the generosity of the residents," said Greg Esler, parks and recreation director. "It is nice when you have friends who want to keep the program going."

The dinner, which is sponsored by Christian Financial Credit Union, will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the and features coney dogs, pop, chips and treats.

Proceeds from the dinner help offset the costs of the summer program for 49 children who are blind, have Down Syndrome and other disorders.

"Because of this program, we have two baseball teams, a soccer team and a basketball team," Esler said. "This program has evolved to something year around."

The dinner will be from 4-8 p.m. at the Senior Center for Active Adults. Tickets are $5 per person and $3 for children 12 and under. All proceeds benefit the Special Needs Children's Playground Program.