Above / The Annual Little Friends Benefit Auction provided the appropriate time for President/CEO Mike Briggs, right, to honor Dan Casey for his dedication and generosity during the presentation of the inaugural Dottee Krejci Memorial Award.
Naperville, Illinois – March 9, 2018— On March 3, more than 425 donors, guests and volunteers gathered at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville for the 42nd Annual Little Friends Benefit Auction. On an outstanding evening of friendship, advocacy and support, Little Friends is thrilled to announce that more than $365,000 was raised to continue to ensure that our clients lead fulfilling lives in our community—regardless of challenge.
The record-breaking haul resulted after an exuberant live auction featuring items such as multi-course dinner experiences from well-known Naperville establishments, framed and autographed sports memorabilia, and several unique experiences in and around the Chicagoland area including vacation stays at the Eagle Ridge Territory and Wonder Lake, Illinois.
The annual Fund-a-Need initiative, led by Michael and Nancy Ardovitch, told the story of Michael’s early intervention services in Little Friends’ Parent Infant Program and applied behavior analysis provided by the Little Friends Center for Autism, and the ensuing years of therapy that now has Michael poised for a successful collegiate run at any number of top academic institutions.
“We are thrilled with and humbled by the outpouring of affection for Little Friends,” said President and CEO, Mike Briggs. “The turnout by the community and the results due to their support and generosity is exceptional. Not only will we continue to empower those we’re currently serving to live, learn, work, and enjoy life in their communities, the financial support shown tonight will allow us to expand programs, specifically the re-establishment of our Parent Infant Program at our Little Friends Center for Autism. As we heard from Michael and Nancy, this program changed their lives and set the foundation for the successful path that Michael is currently on. And we’ll now have the means to provide opportunities to more children and families such as Michael and Nancy’s.”
Link to video shown at gala
Inaugural Dottee Krejci Memorial Award
Another highlight of the evening came in presenting the inaugural Dottee Krejci Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to local businessman and former Chairman of the Board at Little Friends, Dan Casey.
“It was vital that we recognize the years of service and commitment Dan has shown to Little Friends,” said Mike. “He’s been a steadfast leader of our organization for many years and his efforts to help us have been greatly appreciated by everyone whose lives he has touched.”
Grateful to all for support!
Thank you to all that attended the 42nd Annual Benefit Auction – and to our generous community partners, who sponsored this year’s event: S&J Construction, CBRE, Meson Sabika, Matsock Insurance and Financial Services, Dean’s Fine Clothing, john greene Realtor, Premium Electric Services, Premium Concrete, Premium Custom Products, Beyond Measure Training, Busey Bank, IBEW Local 701, Gerald Nissan of Naperville, Road Builder Charities, Westside Mechanical, Continental Motors of Naperville, Boughton Materials, Inc., Titan Supply, Ledebuhr Wealth Management, Naperville Running Company, Blooming Color, Phillip’s Flowers, Smallcakes-Naperville, and the Hilton Lisle-Naperville.
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Little Friends, Inc., since 1965
Fulfilling Lives–Regardless of Challenge. Every one of our clients has a right to a fulfilling life of dignity, independence and respect. So do their families. That right is universal, regardless of challenge.
At Little Friends, we empower clients with autism and other developmental disabilities to thrive in our community. Our groundbreaking programs and nationally-renowned staff provide lifelong opportunities for growth, so our clients can work, learn, play and experience the joy of life’s everyday moments.
For more info, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.
Story and event photos submitted by Renee Miklosik Vice President, Agency Advancement, for Little Friends, Inc.
RELATED PN POST / Parent Infant Program at Little Friends
