To begin 2018, I thought I’d mention a few unknown and known facts about the Exchange Club of Naperville.
•The Exchange Club of Naperville was chartered in September 1987.
•The Mission of the Exchange Club is the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.
•The first Ribfest was held on Father’s Day Weekend in 1988 on Rotary Hill.
•Glen Ekey, former Executive Director of the Naperville Park District, brought the idea of having a Ribfest to the Club.
•Since its inception, $16.5 million in funds from the success of Ribfest have benefited unmet needs of local social services.
•The Exchange Club sponsored the Veterans Plaza on the Riverwalk.
•The Exchange Club sold commemorative bricks and granite stones around Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park in the amount of $250,000.
•The Exchange Club in partnership with the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District fund the annual 4th of July Fire Works.
•Keeping Kids Safe is a project of the Exchange Club which has now become a National Exchange Club Project through the efforts of Naperville Detective Rich Wistocki.
•Over 100 people benefit each year at Christmas time through the Adopt a Family Program sponsored by the Community Service Committee.
•The Exchange Club through the Americanism Committee recognizes officers that go above and beyond their duty with a Police Officer of the Year and Fire Fighter of the Year.
•Also, through the Americanism Committee, the Exchange Club coordinates the September 11th Memorial Service at City Hall.
The Exchange Club of Naperville meets on the first Friday of the month at 11:45AM at Hugo’s Frog Pond and on the third Thursday at 5:30PM at another Naperville location soon to be determined. Please come and join us and meet some new friends.
