Above / Ted Slupik and Bernie Slupik, Friends of Lizzy’s Fund, are preparing to host the Bake Sale during the Naperville Municipal Band Concert on Thurs., July 25. Proceeds and donations will go toward Lizzy’s Fund to benefit needs of aging dogs. (PN File Photo 2017)
Every week a different nonprofit group hosts the Gazebo Bake Sale during the Municipal Band Concerts in Central Park. So far this season, patrons who purchased pies, cookies, popcorn and beverages have helped support the fundraising efforts of New Horizons Band, Naperville Noon Lions Club, Congregation Beth Shalom, Naperville Woman’s Club, Naperville Area AAUW, Girl Up Club of Naperville and the Naperville North High School Field Hockey Club. This week, it’s Lizzy’s Fund.
Lizzy’s Fund won the lottery last spring to host the weekly bake sale on Thurs., July 25, when the Naperville Municipal Band Concert will be conducted by Assistant Conductor René Rosas.
Founded in 2012 to benefit senior dogs, aged 7 and older, in shelter and rescue environments; Lizzy’s Fund pays for veterinary, surgical, dental, and grooming care to help older dogs get healthy and find their forever homes. The Fund currently works with more than a half dozen local shelters and rescue groups, and has helped more than 200 senior dogs.
“The Naperville Municipal Band performs free concerts every Thursday night in Central Park,” noted Ted Slupik recently, happy to be returning as host of the weekly Bake Sale, remembering the fun he had in 2017, the first time he and his wife, Bernie, organized the sale of tasty treats.
“They choose qualified nonprofit entities to host bake sales at the concerts by a lottery and Lizzy’s Fund will be hosting this week. Treats available will be quite unique and will be both human and canine. Of course, all the proceeds will go directly into Lizzy’s Fund,” Slupik said.
Slupik ran a Naperville C.P.A. firm for 33 years. He volunteered at Edward Hospital as well as various local nursing homes and junior high schools with his collie, Sophie, for 13 years, doing animal assisted therapy work.
“Sophie was an exceptional dog that made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of patients, residents, families, and staff at these facilities, said Slupik. “After Sophie’s passing, I decided to record Sophie’s life in a book, stressing not only the importance animals make in the healing process, but also to encourage volunteerism and putting back into the community in which you live.”
All proceeds from the sale of Slupik’s book, “Sophie…best friends are forever,” available at Anderson’s Bookshop, have been donated directly to Lizzy’s Fund. What’s more, a 100-percent matching fund drive will begin at the bake sale on July 25 and continue through July 31, 2019.
Be sure to pick up a numbered program for a chance to win prizes in the free raffle hosted by a different business every week. On July 25, the raffle is hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown to help promote the 23rd Annual Rotary Ride.
Also, be sure to take along some cash in order to support the Bake Sale in the Gazebo with a purchase of tasty homemade treats!
