Every week a different nonprofit group hosts the Gazebo Bake Sale during the Municipal Band Concerts in Central Park. In June, patrons who purchased pies, cookies and beverages helped support the fundraising efforts of Ss. Peter and Paul School Band, Lustgarten Foundation, Naperville Woman’s Club and Naperville Area AAUW.
Lizzy’s Fund won the lottery to host the first weekly bake sale in July. Founded in 2012 to benefit senior dogs, aged 7 and older, in shelter and rescue environments, Lizzy’s Fund pays for veterinary, surgical, dental, and grooming care to help older dogs get healthy and find their forever homes. The Fund currently works with more than a half dozen local shelters and rescue groups, and has helped almost 200 senior dogs.
“The Naperville Municipal Band performs free concerts every Thursday night in Central Park,” said Ted Slupik recently. “They choose qualified nonprofit entities to host bake sales at the concerts and Lizzy’s Fund will be hosting on July 6. Treats available will be quite unique and will be both human and canine. Of course, all the proceeds will go directly into Lizzy’s Fund.”
Slupik ran a Naperville C.P.A. firm for 33 years. He volunteered at Edward Hospital and various local nursing homes with his collie, Sophie, for 13 years, doing animal assisted therapy work.
“Sophie was an exceptional dog that made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of patients, residents, families, and staff at these facilities, said Slupik. “After Sophie’s passing, I decided to record Sophie’s life in a book, stressing not only the importance animals make in the healing process, but also to encourage volunteerism and putting back into the community in which you live.”
Slupik’s book, “Sophie…best friends are forever,” is available locally at Anderson’s Bookshop and online at Barnes and Noble. All proceeds go directly to Lizzy’s Fund.
The Bake Sale on July 6 also will launch the annual month-long matching fund drive wherein all donations to Lizzy’s Fund will be 100 percent matched, Slupik said.
Editor’s Note / The July 6 concert is titled “A Latin Festival.” The weekly raffle is sponsored by Catch 35 Naperville. Be sure to pick up a numbered program for a chance to win prizes in the free raffle hosted by a different business every week. Thanks, too, for supporting the Bake Sale with a purchase of homemade treats.
