The Berghoff Lights Go 'On' This Thanksgiving for the Residents of Neumann Family Services

More than 200 local Chicagoans with developmental disabilities will have a Thanksgiving home this holiday

CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Known for taking new twists on tradition, Carlyn Berghoff and her family will open the doors of the iconic Berghoff Restaurant to a special group of Chicagoans this Thanksgiving. For over a century the Berghoff family has switched the famous Berghoff sign "on" when the restaurant is open and "off" when it is closed. Traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Thursday, Loop area passersby will see the sign aglow this year as Berghoff welcomes the people of Neumann Family Services, a local Chicago nonprofit that serves individuals with development disabilities and mental illness.

Carlyn Berghoff and her family of five, along with a network of volunteers and their families, will cook and serve more than 200 residents of Neumann Family Services. Carlyn will don the chef's hat and work the kitchen with her daughters Lindsey and Sarah, son Todd and husband Jim McClure, and the team will do everything from setting the table to washing each dish. "The more the merrier," Carlyn says. "But, just like in my home, everyone has to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and help."

Committed to helping people with disabilities for over 60 years, Neumann's president and CEO, Eileen Durkin, embraced the idea of providing a special Thanksgiving to her clients. "Many of our residents have no family other than their Neumann family," says Eileen. "This gesture of generosity will mean so much to them."

Inspired by a recent benefit for Neumann Family Services, Carlyn wanted to do something different with her family this Thanksgiving. "As a mother, I want my kids to think outside of the box, and I want them to give back," Carlyn says. "I want us as a family to continually change the way we think about others, and what better way than to that than to share a meal and a family table."

Neumann residents will enjoy a first-class, hearty Thanksgiving feast, featuring all the favorite Thanksgiving classics: turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and, of course, famous Berghoff Creamed Spinach and Root Beer. On top of a family-cooked meal, Neumann guests will enjoy traditionally set tables and a tour of the historic Berghoff Restaurant.

About Neumann Family Services

For the past 60 years, Neumann Family Services has taken extraordinary measures to make a difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Through its various programs, Neumann Family Services seeks to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Neumann currently serves over 300 people annually in 27 residential facilities throughout Chicago. For more information on the Neumann Family Services, visit www.familyservices.org.

About Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group

Located at 17 W. Adams in Chicago's Loop for more than 112 years, Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group includes a full-service catering business, the Berghoff Restaurant, the Berghoff Cafe and the Berghoff Cafe at O'Hare International Airport. The Berghoff is known for family traditions, its annual Oktoberfest celebration and being a part of the fabric of Chicago. For more information on Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group, visit www.berghoffgroup.com. Find them on Facebook and Twitter as well.

SOURCE Neumann Family Services