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Charitable Efforts Around Town
2009 will definitely be a year to remember for the number of outstanding and beneficial charitable events that took place. From 5ks and fashion shows to masquerade parties, residents throughout the Western suburbs came together this year to help support valuable non-profit organizations throughout our community. HERE’S OUR LIST OF 7 SPECTACULAR 2009 CHARITABLE EFFORTS IN TOWN:


1.  1st annual Little Friends Step Up For Autism 5k Run/Walk
Held June 28, 2009, the Little Friends inaugural Step Up For Autism 5k Run/Walk invited residents to walk for a cause along the Riverwalk. CBS 2 Chicago's weekend meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist served as the emcee for the event and she was joined on stage by Honorary Walk Chairperson, Mayor George Pradel.  www.littlefriendsinc.org.  

2. Networking for a Cause Event Benefitting the Naperville Cultural Center
On Thursday, May 28th, 2009 residents and business owners gathered at the Main Street Promenade to show their support for the Naperville Cultural Center at the 2009 Networking for a Cause event. Highlights to the evening included raffle giveaways, a live auction and a small business expo featuring party hosts, Naperville Dental Specialists and Innovative Orthodontic Center, Glancer Magazine, Le Frou Frou, Hotel Arista & many more. www.naperculture.org.  

3. 2009 Fashion Week Naperville
Held October 12-16, this week long event entertained residents with a Top Model Search, a “How to be the Best in the Biz” seminar, a Fashion in the Home event held at a luxurious downtown Naperville estate and a grand finale, high-class Fashion Runway Show. Presented by Two K Productions, proceeds from Fashion Week Naperville 2009 benefitted NCO Youth & Family Services, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, The Naperville Cultural Center & Poised for Success.  www.fashionweeknaperville.com.

4. Naperville Police and Fire Departments Team Up to Provide Food to Local Charities
On February 20, Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel and Assistant Fire Chief Richard Mikel went on a 3-minute shopping spree through the frozen food section of Jewel-Osco to benefit Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry and DuPage PADS. This year’s event was a challenge between the Naperville Police and Fire Departments. The Midwest Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association sponsored the shopping spree event as part of National Frozen Food Month. www.dupagepads.org and www.loaves-fishes.org. 

5. Think Global Arts Celebration of Peace
Observed October 15th-November 15th, 2009, the ThinkGlobal Arts Celebration of Peace Month took place in Naperville and included a film festival, panel discussions, a multicultural gala and additional events that educated and inspired residents to embrace peace in their daily lives.  www.thinkglobalarts.org 

6. Naperville Healing Field of Honor
The Naperville Exchange Club, in collaboration with the Naperville Park District, local veterans’ organizations and other community groups, families and individuals, hosted the Naperville Healing Field of Honor during the week of November 8-14. Rotary Hill was filled with 2,009 American flags as a way to say thank you to everyone who has ever served our country. All proceeds benefitted local veterans and their families. http://colonialflagfoundation.org/staticpages/index.php/naperville.