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Little Friends Benefit Auction breaks records

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Above / Though April is Autism Awareness Month, it’s become tradition on the second Saturday in March for Little Friends to invite the community to learn about the school and its services that began in 1965, empowering clients with autism and other developmental disabilities to thrive. In 2019, the 43rd Annual Little Friends Benefit Auction attracted record numbers of supporters, exceeded fundraising successes from the past and honored Maul Paving. Note because of the late date of the second Saturday in March, the 2020 Gala is March 7.  (PN File Photo)


Updated Post, Feb. 2, 2020 / As Little Friends welcomes a new year and a new decade, the nonprofit organization is focused on the future now more than ever. With the needs of those served growing at a rapid rate, Little Friends’ programs, facilities, and fundraising efforts are focused on the ability to continue offering quality services to those with autism and other developmental disabilities. 

An evening of friendship, advocacy, and support is planned for the 44th Annual Gala as Little Friends continues to ensure that those Little Friends serves lead fulfilling lives in our community. Join friends of Little Friends at the signature fundraising event Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Sheraton Lisle-Naperville.  The evening will begin at 6PM with a cocktail reception and raffle followed by dinner, program, and live auction. 

Find registration information and more on the Little Friends website. 

Originally Posted, March 7, 2019 / On March 2, 2019, more than 545 donors, guests and volunteers gathered at the Sheraton Lisle-Naperville for the 43rd Annual Little Friends Benefit Auction.

After this outstanding evening of friendship, advocacy and support, Little Friends announced that more than $530,000 was raised, a 38 percent increase over last year, which will continue to ensure that more than 800 clients lead fulfilling lives in their community— regardless of challenge.

Auctioneer Ray Kinney helped raise record bids for kids.

The funds raised were the result of an outpouring of support from generous business sponsors and the success of the live auction featuring exclusive dining, experiences, and travel packages.

Bidders were up for the 43rd Annual Little Friends Benefit Auction.

The signature Fund-a Need portion of the evening followed an emotional appeal by former client, Emily Erdmann, who was a transition student at the agency’s Bridge High School and Spectrum Vocational Services. 

After finding her calling as a teacher through her time at Little Friends, Erdmann captivated the audience when she stated, “Knowing now that being a teacher is hard work, I have proved to myself I can do anything I set my mind to.”

“This past Saturday evening was truly electric. The energy in the room and support shown to Little Friends goes beyond words,” stated President and CEO, Mike Briggs in the news release. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of this record donation and truly thank all those who have helped the organization!”

Dottee Krejci Memorial Award goes to Maul Paving

Another highlight of the evening came with the presentation of the Dottee Krejci Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to its second recipient, Maul Paving. Chris and Eric Maul were honored for their organization’s commitment to Little Friends through service and leadership helping our agency empower those with special challenges, and their families, to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community.

Little Friends expresses gratitude to attendees, sponsors, etc.

Thank you to all that attended the 43rd Annual Benefit Auction – and to our generous community partners, who sponsored this year’s event: ABM Business & Industry, Advantage Capital, Ashland Addison Floral, Blooming Color, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boughton Materials Inc., Busey Bank, CBRE, Chico and Nunes, PC, Continental Motors of Naperville, Dean’s Clothing, DFS, Gerald Auto Group, Global Vision Technologies, Humbert Insurance, IBEW Local Union 701, JC Anderson, john greene Realtor, Kirkland Ellis LLP, Ledebuhr Wealth Management, Lisle Savings Bank, Matsock Insurance, Meson Sabika, Naperville Running Company, Phillip’s Flowers, Road Builder Charities, S&J Construction, Spartan Chemical Company, VAI’s Italian Inspired Kitchen+Bar.

Guests were left inspired by the work of Little Friends, as our speaker Erdmann so confidently said, “Now I know I could achieve any goals no matter what my disability is.”

Little Friends 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 information about Little Friends’ schools, services, programs and upcoming events, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.

Story and photos submitted by Beth Praetz, Marketing and Events Coordinator, for Little Friends. 

RELATED PN POSTS help tell the story… / Little Friends

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