Park Ridge, IL – October 28, 2025 – Avenues to Independence, a nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, celebrated its Annual Dinner and Dance on October 24 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook. One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the William and Jean Knaack Spirit of Avenues Award to local salon owner Holly Santelli, recognizing her long-standing support and volunteerism.
Santelli, owner of Ash & Willow salon in Park Ridge and Barrington, has provided free haircuts, styling and more to Avenues clients for the past 15 years. She and her team even installed a barber chair in one of Avenues’ residential homes, making it easier for clients to access routine hair care and feel their best.
“Holly and the entire team at Ash & Willow have made a tremendous impact on the lives of Avenues clients," said Stephen Kray, President and CEO of Avenues to Independence. “Haircuts and styling may seem like trivial personal care tasks, but for our clients it makes a huge difference in how they live their lives with confidence, dignity and independence. We are thrilled to celebrate Holly and all she does for our community.”
Santelli received the award amid a night filled with dinner, dancing, and celebration among Avenues clients and their families, staff, and local supporters. Attendees also enjoyed a video highlighting Ash & Willow’s generous contributions to the Avenues community.
“Sharing our talents with the Avenues community, and getting to know so many clients personally, has brought me and the team so much joy,” said Santelli. “We are so appreciative of this special award and look forward to providing hair services for Avenues for years to come.”
Avenues to Independence is a nonprofit organization that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose with dignity and independence. Founded in 1953, Avenues serves more than 200 adults annually through personalized residential, vocational, and community-based programs. With locations in Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Wheeling, and Chicago, Avenues supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities, and is committed to long-term care, community integration, and disability advocacy, to help clients achieve greater independence and quality of life. To learn more, visit www.avenuestoindependence.org.
Allison Kaplan
Spring Marketing Group
akaplan@springmarketinggroup.com
312-315-9855
Tags: ash & willow , holly santelli , service , intellectual , developmental , disabilities , annual dinner and dance , hilton , northbrook , william and jean knaack , spirit of avenues award , community
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