Above / With an abundance of gratitude all around, the Naperville Woman’s Club recognized 14 local organizations with philanthropic donations totaling $38,075. Every gift will help fulfill a wide range of needs to benefit the quality of life for others in the community.
UPDATE, March 18, 2020 / All meetings and programs are canceled until further notice. Stay calm and healthy.
Original Post, March 9, 2020 / Naperville Woman’s Club (NWC) held its annual Celebration of Philanthropy on March 6, 2020, to recognize 14 local charities and agencies for their tireless efforts in making the community a better place.
The club presented checks totaling $38,075 and awarded another $5,000 for three scholarships to students pursuing degrees in education, human services and fine arts.
An additional $1,000 was awarded in support of the School District 204 Fine Arts Festival.
“NWC members work hard to raise this money and collect these goods,” noted Sherry Tuszynski, NWC philanthropy chair. “We strive to make a difference and are humbled by the community’s generous response to those in need.”
NWC recognizes Mutual Ground as Focus Charity
Annually, NWC members choose a Focus Charity that will receive a larger grant. The NWC Focus Charity for this year is Mutual Ground, receiving $10,000.
Presenters explained that Mutual Ground is the safe place where people come together to break the cycle of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Mutual Ground is not just a shelter; it is a solution with a mission to provide education, awareness and life-changing services that empower individuals, families and communities to end the cycle of domestic and sexual violence.
“Mutual Ground fills an important role in protecting our most vulnerable residents,” said NWC President Donna Shaw. “They are a very important safety net.”
During the recent grant presentation, Kathy Melone provided a glimpse of work they do at Mutual Ground when she read a brief note about the power of a customized pencil emblazoned with the printed name of Mutual Ground and its phone number, (630) 897-0084.
A youngster had been given the “Mutual Ground” pencil during a presentation about domestic violence at her school. When she recognized a situation in her home that was not right for her mother, she remembered the lesson she’d learned. She gave the pencil to her mother who, in turn, contacted Mutual Ground for the help she needed, Melone said.
Located in Aurora, Mutual Ground serves the greater Aurora area, Southern Kane and all of Kendall County.
In addition to Mutual Ground, the Naperville Woman’s Club grants recognized KidsMatter, Hesed House, Career & Networking Center, Literacy DuPage, Naperville Responds For Veterans, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (Tammy’s Trace), Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, Naper Heritage Society, Clay Space Ceramic Arts Center, Aunt Mary’s Storybook Project and Canine Companions for Independence.
Two local food pantries, People’s Resource Center and Loaves & Fishes Community Services, also received grants.
In addition to the cash awards from fundraising, members also donate goods and services to various agencies throughout the year.
According to Shaw, members contributed personal care items to Family Shelter Services. They also gave gently- used books and silverware to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. More than 500 canned goods were collected at Witches Night Out, NWC’s premier fall fundraising event, and given to Loaves & Fishes Community Services, efforts that amounted to about $2,000 in additional giving by NWC to those in need.
Shaw also thanked longtime sponsors, Cassie Kunsch and John Kunsch of Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home as well as Tim Belgio of Belgio’s Catering for their many years of supporting NWC special events.
Naperville Woman’s Club since 1897
The Naperville Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization devoted to supporting the arts, education and community service. Founded in 1897, it is one of the longest established organizations in Naperville. The club’s headquarters are in the landmark building, The Old Stone Church, at 14 S. Washington Street in downtown Naperville.
The NWC puts on the Fine Art & Artisan Fair at Naper Settlement, the Witches Night Out Naperville fundraiser, the Young Adult Art Contest, and supports three college scholarships.
Naperville Woman’s Club 2020 Events
For 2020, the Young Adult Art Contest is from 5PM to 7PM Fri., March 13, at the NWC Club House; the Fine Art & Artisan Fair will be 10AM to 5PM June 27-28, at Naper Settlement; and Witches Night Out will return on Wed., Oct. 7, to Naper Settlement.
Shaw also announced the Naperville Woman’s Club will host its 95th Street Library Program, “The Story Behind the Story: ‘Gone with the Wind’ and the ‘Wizard of Oz,'” beginning at 7PM Wed., March 18. The public is welcome.
New members and guests are welcome to attend NWC meetings. In addition, the clubhouse is available for rentals for private events.
For more information, call (630) 420-9680 or visit www.napervillewomansclub.org.
News release submitted by Laura Caldwell for the Naperville Woman’s Club / PN Photos
