Rotary Club awards $70,000 to nonprofit organizations
The Rotary Club of Naperville has awarded more than $70,000 to 13 area nonprofit groups from money it took in as part of the Holiday Parade of Lights, the organization’s signature fundraiser.
Since 2021, the Rotary Club’s “parade with a purpose” has helped support groups that work with youth mental health issues, humanitarian needs, and causes related to diversity and inclusion, a news release from the club said.
This year, the club donated to 360 Youth Services, Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS), Childhood Leukemia Warrior Foundation, Chinese American Women in Action and the Edward Foundation.
The club also gave money to GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley, Grow Wellness Foundation, Inside Out Club DuPage, Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, Mays Music Centre of Excellence, Naperville Education Foundation, Naperville Police Foundation and the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
Naperville Art League to host public competition
Naperville-area artists are invited to submit original pieces of work through 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, for the Naperville Art League’s annual Public Art Competition.
This year, the theme is “Perfect Imperfection.”
Artworks must be original in design, concept and execution, but can be any media or mixed media and can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, according to the Art League.
All entries will be on display from April 30 to May 24 at the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery, 508 N. Center St. An awards presentation will be held at 7 p.m. May 3.
Cash prizes will be awarded in two categories, one for high school or college students and the other for adults.
For more information, go to www.napervilleartleague.com.
Park district honored for Toys for Tots campaign
The Naperville Park District collected 1,769 toys to distribute to local families in need for the annual Toys for Tots donation drive.
The district was recognized as the largest donor in DuPage County to the donation drive.
The park district set up several collection bins at facilities across the city for families to drop off new toys for the 2023 holiday season. Toys were collected from October to December and then gathered by Naperville Park Police officers to deliver to the Marine Corps Reserve to distribute.
The park district has participated in the collection drive since 2010.
The DuPage County Marine Corps League recognized the district’s efforts supporting the Toys for Tots campaign at the Feb. 8 park board meeting.
Will County to host free kids’ fair on Presidents Day
Will County is hosting a free kids’ fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 19, at Troy Middle School, 5800 W. Theodore St., Plainfield.
The family-friendly event will feature storytelling, live animals, crafts, prizes and face painting, according to a newsletter from the Will County Executive’s Office.
Dozens of representatives from community organizations and public agencies will be on hand to provide information about local resources.
Advanced registration is not required.
