BRIDGE COMMUNITIES TO HOLD 9TH ANNUAL EVENT
We invite the community to join Bridge Communities on Friday, April 26 for our 9th Annual Spring Luncheon, “Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives.” Hosted at the beautiful Danada House in Wheaton, we will honor women and philanthropy in DuPage County. We hope you join us for this inspiring celebration!
In 1989, Becky Beilfuss learned about Greater DuPage MYM (now known as Teen Parent Connection), an organization supporting teenage mothers and their children. A teen mother herself, she began volunteering to support young women who were now beginning their own parenting journey. Becky has volunteered and worked with Teen Parent Connection for nearly three decades, creating a brighter future for thousands of young adults. She now serves as Executive Director. Becky has received several humanitarian awards, and also serves as co-chair of the Healthy Families Illinois Policy and Advocacy Committee and on the Executive Committee of Healthy Families Illinois. We are thrilled to honor her with the Transforming Lives Award.
Six years ago, Nydia Rivera Paterkiewicz was staying in a women’s shelter with her three daughters after fleeing domestic abuse. But once they were welcomed into Bridge Communities, they began to rebuild their lives. While in the program, Nydia completed her associate’s degree, worked with the employment team and found a fantastic job, and healed from the traumas of homelessness. Today, Nydia and her new husband Steve are proud to be homeowners, and give back to Bridge Communities through advocating for homeless families, fostering the pets of families in the Bridge program, and hiring Bridge clients to work in their family business. We are honored to recognize Nydia with the Life Transformed Award.
Returning to emcee the luncheon will be Emmy-winning journalist Judy Hsu. An integral part of the ABC 7 news team since 2001, Judy joined Alan Krashesky as co-anchor on the 6 PM Evening News in 2018, and continues to co-anchor the 4 PM News with Rob Elgas. In addition to her anchor responsibilities, Judy hosts a long-format interview segment on Sunday mornings called "Newsviews." Judy hosted the Sleep Out Saturday rally for Bridge Communities in 2015, and warmly welcomed supporters of Bridge again at our last three Spring Luncheons. Judy resides in the western suburbs with her husband and four children.
Tickets are $60 per person or $600 per table of 10, and may be purchased at www.bridgecommunities.org. Additionally, select sponsorship opportunities remain for the event. To learn more about sponsoring, ask questions about the luncheon, or include an advertisement in the luncheon booklet, please contact Margo Matthew at margo.matthew@bridgecommunities.org or 630-403-5091.
Bridge Communities is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide housing, mentoring and supportive services to homeless families in DuPage County. Bridge Communities’ vision is a community where all families are healthy, financially stable and living in affordable housing. In the past 30 years, Bridge Communities has helped 850 families cross the bridge from homelessness to hope and self- sufficiency. For more information, please visit www.bridgecommunities.org.
