Pat Sajak uses fame to help Chicago autism organization

January 22, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak was in Chicago Tuesday to help raise money for thousands of Illinois families dealing with developmental disabilities.

Sajak is the celebrity spokesperson for the Hope Institute for Children and Families.

He swung by to visit students at the Hope Institute Learning Academy. The institute is having a raffle for a Gold Coast home.

A generous supporter donated the home in hopes of raising money to expand the school and the institute's residential facility in Springfield.

Sajak is helping get the word out about the raffle by offering his celebrity to their campaign.

Thirty percent of the students here have learning disabilities or autism.

Parents hope the funds raised by the raffle will help the school expand beyond fifth grade.

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