Above / Naperville shows its bright side as members of the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the Naperville Chamber of Commerce join together in a goodwill gesture called “Naperville Helps!” Thanks to generous donations received by Naperville Helps!, Balboa’s Cheesesteaks was first to deliver meals to Edward Hospital Emergency Department today just after noon. The idea aims to benefit the local business community while serving others. (PN Photo)
UPDATED POST, March 23, 2020 / The Naperville Helps! Campaign raised more than $25,000 in less than five days,” said Kaylin Risvold, President of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Today, Mon., March 23, 2020, the first meal drops to workers in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system began at noon for individuals who are working the outside testing sites.
The restaurants that are delivering are also managing the drivers and drops. Edward-Elmhurst Health workers will receive a pre-packaged individually wrapped warm lunch every day this week thanks to the Naperville Helps! Campaign.
More than 20 area restaurants have signed up to participate and more than $5,000 will go to the area restaurants this week alone. The Naperville Police department will receive a meal tomorrow and Naperville Fire Stations will receive meals starting on Wednesday.
Original Post, March 18, 2020 / Naperville Helps! has been established to help support this community, health professionals and first responders during this challenging time. In order to benefit the cause, a GoFundMe page has been launched as the collection point for donations.
All financial contributions will go toward the purchase of meals from local restaurants which will then be delivered to workers at Edward-Elmhurst Health, the Naperville Fire Department and the Naperville Police Department.
This goodwill gesture is spearheaded by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Naperville Alliance. The goal is to support the business community and by doing so, provide meals to those working hardest to keep us safe.
“This idea came from a community member who just wanted to help our businesses and those working on the front lines,” said Kaylin Risvold, President and CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It took one idea, shared with us, to initiate this campaign. We know our incredible community will come together to support this effort because it benefits those who support us.”
“100 percent of the Naperville Helps! proceeds will go straight into our community. We have come together to do what we can to support the healthcare workers and those on the front lines while also supporting our restaurants who are facing new challenges,” said Katie Wood, Executive Director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. “This way, those working to keep us safe can enjoy a nourishing meal – and Chamber Member and Downtown restaurants will enjoy increased business.”
NACC and DNA need monetary donations to begin meal deliveries on Mon., March 23, 2020. When Naperville Helps!, this community proves it can get through anything together.
On behalf of the hospitality and service community, organizers added, “Thank you for your generosity.”
Donate online or send check to NACC
To make a contribution, donate at Naperville-Helps!
Supporters of this initiative also can write a check payable to Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and send to Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, 55 S. Main Street, Naperville, IL 60540. Simply write “Naperville Helps!” in the check memo.
“We will put it in the Go Fund Me account!” emailed Becky Egan, Finance Director, for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Restaurants interested in participating are asked to sign up by contacting chamber@naperville.net.
Story submitted by Kaylin Risvold for the NACC and DNA.
