The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce connects to the Jaycees Last Fling in more ways than one. For one, several of the Chamber’s organized groups such as Young Professionals of Naperville (YPN) and member businesses such as Expert Plumbing have competed in the Naperville Bed Races when they’ve rolled into action along Porter Avenue behind Naper Settlement.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s South Team will be participating in the Last Fling bed races for the 10th consecutive year. The South Team is one of several lead-generating groups within the chamber.
Each year, the South Team adopts a local charity to support and has named Little Friends its charity of choice for 2013. The South Team’s 2013 bed will incorporate a school theme, giving a nod to Little Friends.
Little Friends, based in Naperville, is a private non-profit that supports kids and adults with autism and development disabilities. It operates a school, adult vocational programs and many other services that support the community. It was started in 1965.
“Our team views this event as an excellent opportunity to get the word out about the great cause of Little Friends, and a time to build on the already strong relationships we have within our team,” said Kathy Wright, chair of the bed race for the South Team.
The Grateful Bed
It began in 2004 with the first entry titled “The Grateful Bed,” back when the Bed Races were revitalized during Naper Days, now retired, at Naper Settlement.
Since then, the team has won several awards including winning the race in 2008, the best design award in 2006 and 2007, and the spirit award in 2010.
This year’s entry is titled “(Rockin’ &) Rollin’ the School Bus.”
“The South Team consists of a diverse cross-section of business leaders and owners,” said Nicole Comis of the South Team. “We are always looking for good people to join both the Chamber and our team.”
The bed races will take place at 11AM on Saturday, August 31 on Porter Ave., just south of Naper Settlement.
For a complete listing of all the special events, concerts, entertainment and more that will be presented during Last Fling, the four-day family-friendly fall festival that is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Naperville Jaycees, visit www.lastfling.com.
