This Exchange Club year, July 5, 2011 – July 4, 2012, has been a great year for our organization. The following are a few of the highlights of our 25th anniversary year with much appreciation for every contribution from our membership, our committees and the community.
The Americanism Committee held the annual September 11th program at the Shanower Memorial. They also recognized Erin Gibler as Police Officer of the Year and Lt. Amanda “Amy” Scheller as Fire Fighter of the Year. Once again the club members participated in the Last Fling Parade to “Give a Kid a Flag to Wave.” And a Freedom Shrine was dedicated at St. Raphael School.
The Community Service Committee once again gave Christmas presents to individuals who may not have a Christmas as part of the Adopt a Family Program. They also sponsored the Keeping Kids Safe Program, clothing drives, summer lunch project, school snack project, Naperville Police Department Youth Support, Prevention/Public Safety Project and National Day of Service.
Furthermore, Junior Exchange again gathered more than 400 people for a wonderful holiday meal at Christmas time. The children received gifts and had a wonderful time of celebration.
The annual One Nation Under God Breakfast was held in early March at Meson Sabika, a time when local residents were honored for displaying the flag and showing patriotism.
Later in March, the Allocations Committee helped distribute funds to 58 social service organizations. A total of $500,000 was given back to the community during the Allocations luncheon at Meson Sabika.
We’re already getting set for the 26th Ribfest and the 25th Ribfest was held at Knoch Park earlier this month. Ribfest began in 1988 and has continued to grow and develop into the outstanding family-focused event that it is today.
September 25, 1987, was the beginning of the Exchange Club of Naperville. As I said at the top, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the charter of this club. During these First 25 years, the Exchange Club has given more than 12 million dollars back to the community.
