Above / The Jaycees Marina in the quarry was the first of several gifts to the Riverwalk from members of the Naperville Jaycees who have supported the city’s natural treasure since its early development. From May to September, visitors can rent paddle boats and kayaks, weather permitting. Thanks, Jaycees!
Best known for the four-day family festival called “Last Fling” over Labor Day Weekend, the Naperville Jaycees also hosts year-round fundraising efforts to provide grants for worthy causes and projects. Recent gifts presented by the service club in May and June added up to $20, 203.72 for the needs of 12 organizations offering important services in the community.
According to Bill Donofrio, 2015 Donations Chair, throughout the year members of the Naperville Jaycees have been researching and identifying deserving local organizations in order to present grants from April through December 2015.
The awards recognition by the month helps raise awareness for the huge strides these humanitarian organizations are making.
In May, gifts went to CASA of DuPage Country in the amount of $750; DuPage PADS, $1,500; The Edward Foundation, $2,000; The Humanitarian Service Project, $2,000; Naperville Cares, $3,000; The Peoples Resource Center, $2,000; Rebuilding Together Aurora, $1,000; and Sharing Connections $1,487.72.
The June recipients included Hesed House with a grant of $1,800; Little Friends, $1,600; DuPage Children’s Museum, $1,000; and Giant Steps, $2,066.
In addition to the monetary donations, the Naperville Jaycees are continually finding ways to give back through volunteerism and community outreach.
What about Naperville Jaycees?
The Naperville Jaycees is a nonprofit service organization with more than 100 young people dedicated to providing Naperville area residents with the opportunity to better themselves and to grow personally and professionally while giving through community service and fundraising efforts. Through their fund raising efforts, the Naperville Jaycees are able to donate funds to nonprofit organizations in the Naperville community and throughout DuPage County.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 West Jackson Avenue in Naperville. For information, call the chapter’s hotline at (630) 961-9375 or visit www.napervillejaycees.org.
