Net proceeds exceed last year’s benefit by more than $20K
DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) hosted its annual fundraising event, the Setting the Stage for Innovation Benefit Ball, on April 12 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel in Naperville, Illinois. The black tie optional benefit was a glamorous evening of live entertainment, silent and live auction items, and special honorees, all supporting the education of young children.
The evening was led by Emcee Judy Hsu, ABC7 News Anchor, and was hosted by Honorary Chairman Scott Swanson. Swanson, a leader in the banking industry, heading the local executive team at PNC Bank, recognized the importance of investing in high-quality early education and school initiatives. Swanson is active in the Chicago community, serving as the chairman of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and on the executive committees of Adler Planetarium and LISC Chicago. He also serves on the board of directors for After School Matters, the Big Shoulder Funds, the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, and the Executives’ Club of Chicago.
“PNC funds innovative programs that provide meaningful educational activities for children and lessons for parents and caregivers to share with young children outside of the classroom,” Swanson said. “We are excited to partner with DuPage Children’s Museum to make a difference in children’s lives.”
The evening began with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, and also featured Rube Goldberg-inspired machines built by Naperville’s Expert Plumbing, Northern Illinois University’s STEM Outreach, and DCM Staff. The evening continued with a special performance by Neuqua Valley Wildscats Gold Vocal Jazz group. After the silent auction and entertainment, attendees enjoyed dinner, live auction, and music provided by the Al Sofia Band.
DCM’s New President & CEO Sarah Orleans also addressed the audience and spoke of her enthusiasm for “joining such a dynamic and highly-regarded organization with a clear and focused mission to transform the learning landscape for young children.”
In addition to raising $370,000 for the organization, the event was also an opportunity to honor those who have made a significant impact on young children through early learning. DCM’s Former President & CEO Susan Broad was recognized for her significant impact on the children who accessed and benefited from the Museum during her more than 22 years of service.
“Since its inception, generations of children have experienced the power of playful learning. The genius of our founders and the leadership provided by Susan Broad have provided children with high quality early learning experiences that build strong foundations for later learning,” said David Carpenter, Chairman of DCM’s Board of Directors and son of co-founder Dorothy Carpenter.
Benefit Ball co-chairs Mary Ann Bobosky and Nancy Nyberg also were recognized for their longtime participation in the Annual Benefit Ball and for their commitment to DCM’s mission.
Earlier this week when PN was in touch with Nyberg, she noted her extreme pleasure with the growth and success of the annual gala in recent years as she anticipated the final tally.
“Mary Ann and I have been working with a great committee of volunteers. We’re excited to see all the new energy with younger people involved—and I feel so honored to have been part of it,” said Nyberg, who has two more years remaining to serve on the DCM Board of Directors.
“I know we’re going to in the right direction. The gala was such a celebration and a great next step.”
For your information…
The Benefit Ball was part of DCM’s Setting the Stage for Innovation, a year-long focus to develop the next generation of innovators through exhibits, public programs, and community outreach. The event not only serves as a celebration for DCM and its mission but is also the top fundraiser for the Museum, which depends on donations and grants to cover 40 percent of its operating budget. All proceeds from the Benefit Ball serve as an investment in early learning by supporting education programs at DCM. They also help to ensure the Museum continues to have a positive impact on children’s learning by providing open-ended experiences in math, science, and the arts. The Museum achieves these goals by providing education programs for more than 21,000 elementary school children and welcoming over 300,000 visitors each year.
Thanks to sponsors and volunteers!
DCM would like to thank all the Setting the Stage for Innovation Benefit Ball sponsors, including lead sponsors PNC Bank, Macy’s, and GCM Grosvenor; advocate level sponsor The Harter Family; sustainer level sponsors Allstate, Bulley & Andrews LLC, The Crown Family, The Crown and Kunkler Family, Carol Gies Dietz, Excel Displays & Packaging, Tyrone C. Fahner/Mayer Brown, The Graycor Family of Companies, hibu, Ryan Enterprises Group, and Sidley Austin LLP; founder level sponsors AT&T, Baxter International, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Calamos, Rita and John Canning, Echo Design Group, Fair Oaks Ford/Lincoln, Ice Miller, Bruce and Jennifer Lee, Navistar, Nicor Gas, Northern Trust, Ronald and Nancy Nyberg, J.B and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation, Sikich LLP, and Res Publica Group; contributing level sponsors Bensinger, Dupont & Associates and KJ Investments; media sponsor Naperville Magazine; program printing sponsor Minuteman Press Naperville/Blooming Color, Inc.; and table sponsors Dom Martucci of Naper Nuts & Sweets, Mary Ann and Brand Bobosky, and Nancy and Ron Nyberg.
About DuPage Children’s Museum
DuPage Children’s Museum is more than a Museum…we’re a force for early learning! Via interactive exhibits and programs that make learning fun for children and adults playing together, DuPage Children’s Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children. The Museum is located at 301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, Illinois, a quick walk from the Naperville Metra train station. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible.
For information about hours, Museum admission, and membership packages, visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000.
Photos courtesy DuPage Children’s Museum
