Kudos | Autumn Appeal

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December 2017 View more

There are a few hallmarks of fall in the western suburbs: falling leaves, dropping temperatures, shorter days … and a plethora of fundraisers for great local causes. Several nonprofits (and a local university) worked very hard to raise money for their important programs, outlined below. Kudos to these local social services organizations, that must rely heavily on fundraising to keep their doors open due to the state’s budget impasse earlier this year.

Little Friends Golf Classic
More than $77,000 was raised—making it one of the most successful events in its 15-year history—at Bolingbrook Golf Club on October 4 to support Little Friends’ mission to empower children and adults with special challenges to live, work and participate in their community.

Founders Gala
Nearly 300 people attended Benedictine University’s inaugural gala October 7 in celebration of the Lisle school’s 130-year history. Guests enjoyed live music by the Larry King Orchestra. The event raised nearly $100,000 to support its Mission Fund, which provides support for the university’s most financially at-risk students.

Boobieque
The John Bull Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Medispa hosted a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society October 20 at Nevin’s Brewery. The event included live music and a silent auction, and raised over $7,000 as part of the ACS’s Real Men Wear Pink Campaign, in which community and business leaders wear pink each day of October and compete to raise money for cancer research.

Honor Wounded Vets 5K Run/Walk
Freedom Golf Association’s first-annual race was held on the McDonald’s campus in Oak Brook October 29, raising $50,000 for adaptive golf programs for wounded veterans. The Burr Ridge-based nonprofit is dedicated to including the special needs community in the game of golf.

Driven to Give
Next Gen Board Fundraiser for DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) was held at Bill Jacobs BMW-MINI Naperville dealership, raising $45,000 for early learning initiatives at DCM. The Naperville museum features play and education centers for young children, plus a café.

Kids Best Friend Awards
The Education Center honored three individuals and three local RotaryClubs at its annual awards dinner and auction October 20. Proceeds of the event benefit the center’s life-coaching program, which includes tutoring, scholarships and providing for special needs of its students, including the children of returning veterans.

A Circle of Radiance
Naperville-based 360 Youth Services held its signature gala November 3, featuring a Dessert Dash and live music by The Exceptions. Proceeds benefit the agency’s services to youth, including prevention education, counseling and housing.