Young bell ringers and joyful singers greeted guests with holiday favorites as they entered the Fry Family Y for the 9th annual Naperville YMCA Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast on Dec. 6. Mayor A. George Pradel served as master of ceremonies of the popular event presented for the fifth year by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Homes.
Organizers noted that within 24 hours with the help of area churches, the gymnasium had been transformed into a “winter wonderland,” set up for a banquet with a stage, sparkling for the inspirational program of holiday music, scripture and guest speakers.
Youth speaker Melissa Martinez, an 8th grade honor student at Gregory Middle School with a passion of basketball, shared experiences that had been influenced by her connections with the Y.
The keynote address was delivered by Jarrett Payton, c0-founder with his wife, Trisha, of The Jarrett Payton Foundation. The son of the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, now a motivational speaker and businessman, aims to follow in his father’s footsteps to set a positive example for youth with his focus on making a difference in his community.
Shopping Spree with Dad
In the spirit of the holiday season, Payton recounted his memories of Christmas when he was 12 years old, a time when the gift he wanted most was the newest version Nintendo. Much to his delight, his father had given him the gift of a shopping spree at a large toy store, complete with haunting instructions over the store’s public address system to remember his sister who wanted “Barbies.”
With great joy and good humor, the younger Payton told how he’d filled his shopping cart to the brim with all the hot items for kids that year. What he hadn’t anticipated, the audience discovered, was that after his prized collection was loaded into his father’s vehicle, they would deliver all the toys to a family who truly needed holiday cheer.
“My dad did show me what it’s like to give back. We are so blessed to have what we have,” said Payton. “To be able to give back is a true blessing.”
As Payton expressed his appreciation for the lessons learned from his father, he said he is committed to impacting the lives of youth through his foundation in many positive ways. Payton also noted that he is the father of a 22-month-old son.
District 204 Superintent is honored
Next on the program, Dick Malone, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, recognized Dr. Kathryn Birkett, Superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204, for her career that has spanned nearly 35 years in what has become the third largest school district in Illinois.
Birkett also serves on the Fry Family YMCA Advisor Board, the Heritage YMCA Corporate Board as well as the Metropolitan Chicago Board of Managers. For her dedicated service, she received a sculpture depicting four youngsters spelling the classic song, Y-M-C-A, a replica of the Century Walk sculpture at the entrance to the Fry Family Y.
Beautiful music was performed at intervals by soprano soloist Katelyn Casey, a senior at Neuqua Valley High School.
The Naperville YMCA Mayor’s Community Breakfast is held during the first week of December to kick off the holiday season with peace and grace.
The 2013 Prayer Breakfast Committee included Tim Belgio, Deb Newman, Emy Trotz, Kathy Bosco, Jane Bowers, Judy Ellertson, Claudia Langoni, Dominic LaVia, Marcia McKenna and Julie Nelligan.
Payton Connects!
After the breakfast, Payton graciously agreed to stay for photos and to reminisce with guests who had connections to his father’s “Sweetness.”
For instance, Bev Patterson Frier, former owner of Bev Patterson Piano & Organ Co. in Naperville and the Chicago suburbs, had sold a piano to Connie and Walter Payton. When she mentioned the piano to Jarrett, he told her his family still has that piano.
Merry Christmas Day!
Next up, the YMCA and the Naperville Park District will host the 30th Annual Christmas Luncheon for Seniors beginning at 11:30AM on Dec. 25, at the at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, located at 1801 N. Naper Blvd.
To attend, seniors must make reservations by Dec. 16. To RSVP, call Brianne Pardo at (630) 527-4010 and leave a message with the total number of seniors in your party, their names and your phone number.
