The Exchange Club of Naperville is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. Chartered in September 1987 with 50 members, today the club is going strong with 145 members.
Through the years the club has been quite successful with its fundraising. We just celebrated the 30th Ribfest. The club also has been successful with the Grand Prix Race, the three-on-three basketball tournament and its 5K race. Because of these fundraisers, our local club has given more than $15 million to local charities.
Our Exchange Club also continues to sponsor the Adopt-a-Family program where $10,000 goes to buy Christmas presents for individuals less fortunate. We donate money to both school districts and Senior housing in Naperville. We honor a Firefighter and Policeman of the Year.
Remember September 11
We also are responsible for the September 11th Observance program.
After the tragedy on September 11, 2001, a group of caring Naperville residents approached Mayor Pradel to form a committee to honor Commander Dan Shanower, who was working at the Pentagon that fateful day and lost his life. The committee, spearheaded by Chuck Johanns, met and decided to build a memorial. At the request of the Shanower family, the memorial was dedicated to all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, due to the terrorist attacks.
In 2008, the Exchange Club was asked to take over planning the annual service since it ties into our club’s Americanism efforts.
The September 11th Observance this year will feature Lanny Russell, former Fire Chief of Downers Grove as the keynote speaker. Music from the Carillon will begin at 5:30PM with the Municipal Band playing at 5:45PM. The program will begin at 6PM.
