Restaurants, United Way Join For Fundraiser
January 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sun staff
The Naperville United Way is partnering with local restaurants to benefit diners and the United Way alike.
Several Naperville restaurants are selling $20 gift certificates for $10 and donating the money to the Naperville United Way through their fundraiser “Support Naperville United Way by Dining Out!”
Catch 35, Sullivan’s, Caf? Buonaro, Raffi’s and City Club have joined the United Way to provide dinner and donations.
“We are so thrilled to have the participation of these wonderful Naperville restaurants in this program,” said Susan Fritz, Naperville United Way chief professional officer. “Naperville residents can now eat at the best restaurants in town while donating to the United Way.”
To purchase food gift certificates, interested parties can visit the specific restaurant. Gift certificates are available during regular dining hours, and purchasers do not need to be dining to purchase certificates.
There are no restrictions on the number of coupons that can be used at one time. The only exception to this is Caf? Buonaro, which limits use to a meal other than lunch and to one coupon per couple, per visit. The only other restriction applies at Sullivan’s, where certificates are not redeemable on Valentine’s Day. These restaurants are donating the entire $10 purchasing price to the Naperville United Way, and they are donating the $20 value in food.
The certificates are valid on food only and do not apply to liquor, tax or gratuity. They are valid until May 31 at Caf? Buonaro, Raffi’s, City Club and Catch 35, and until March 31 at Sullivan’s.
Summer United Way Fundraiser Gets ‘Buggy’
January 18, 2008 | 3 Comments
“Ugly Bug Ball” this will not be.
By KATE R. HOULIHAN Staff writer
Burl Ives belted out that tune in the 1963 movie “Summer Magic” as a way to show beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And come summer, there will be no shortage of beautiful insects downtown thanks to the “garden party” theme of the Naperville United Way’s annual sculpture fundraiser and outdoor art display.
“We’re looking at incorporating these bugs into a bench or chair,” said Susan Fritz, Naperville United Way chief professional officer. “A dragonfly may look like a garden bench with the wings stretched out to form the back, a ladybug may look like a playhouse and a frog may look like a garden chair. We might have a butterfly with large wings. We’re looking at an idea of possibly a garden cart.”
Form and function combined with the fanciful has become an important aspect in deciding what type of Fiberglass sculptures to place along the Riverwalk and throughout downtown. All sculptures are auctioned off in September.
“We’re trying to incorporate the practical with the fun,” Fritz said. “We really need to keep in mind what works with auction. We wanted to go a bit more sophisticated, but we still wanted to have some whimsy to it, because that’s what drives people and families downtown to see them.”
Fritz said the big bugs will work well for people who want to incorporate them into their gardens. In addition, they’re aiming for pieces that offer ample canvas room for artistic expression.
Final details will be known when a committee examines design drawings from Chicago-based Cowpainters and narrows the selection next week. Fritz said two new co-chairs, Debbie Rigdon and Maureen Baier, are heading the charge this year, and she said their experience organizing the annual Little Friends Inc. auction should help.
Last year’s splashy symphony of water-themed creatures drew more than $100,000 when all was said and done.
Fritz believes the unique designs at this year’s garden gala will be “phenomenally successful.”
“We’ve gotten wonderfully creative, outstanding pieces,” she said.
Contact Kate Houlihan at khoulihan@scn1.com or 630-416-5224
Support Naperville UW by Dining Out!
January 11, 2008 | 3 Comments
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In Memoriam: Bobette Sue Soltau
January 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Bobbi Soltau was a very caring and compassionate person. She served on our Community Impact Committee for 3 years, and was elected to our Board of Directors in July 2007. We enjoyed working with Bobbi because she always took her committee role very seriously and so enjoyed being able to serve her community in this way. Bobbi will be greatly missed, but her devotion to her family and her community is how she will be remembered.
Thank you Bobbi for all you gave to each one of us.
BOBETTE SUE SOLTAU
Bobette Sue Soltau, age 61, of Naperville, Illinois. At rest Friday, January 4, 2008 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. She was born April 4, 1946 in Quincy, Illinois, the loving daughter of the late Frank and Melva Speckhart. She is survived by her husband James; her children Jay (Erika) Harms of Cairo, Egypt, Jodi (Jay) Kahn of Deerfield, Illinois and Anika (Michael) Hubbard of Lake Forest, Illinois; her step-daughters Wendy (Tim) Albert of Wheaton, Illinois and Melissa Soltau of San Diego, California; her grandchildren, Madeline and David Harms, Jack Hubbard and Adam Kahn; her brothers Dr. Dan (Sue) Speckhart and the late Frank (Lynda) Speckhart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bobbi received her MBA from Northern Illinois University. She was the owner and operator of Fabrications in Naperville, worked at Harris Bank in computer support and was a consultant for Resources Global Professionals. Bobbi was a board member of the Naperville United Way and a member of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528, Chicago, IL 60606 or Naperville United Way at 26 S. Webster Ave, Suite 106B, Naperville, IL 60540.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 10, 4:00-9:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 11, 10:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a private family inurnment at Naperville Cemetery in Naperville
Naperville residents, Walter and Cindy Drone, committed to Naperville United Way
November 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Walter and Cindy Drone have supported the annual Naperville United Way auction since 2002 and have purchased 24 sculptures through the years, many of which are displayed in their home and garden.
How did you become involved with Naperville United Way?
We moved to Naperville in December 2001, so that following Spring, we were excited to explore the Riverwalk. As Memorial Day weekend rolled around, we became very interested in the Carousel Horses and spent many beautiful days riding our bikes to the downtown to check on our favorites. As we came to know each and every horse, we made the decision to attend the Naperville United Way auction with the hope of acquiring a Carousel Horse for our own. To our surprise, and delight, we were suddenly the proud owners of three horses. And as time would tell, we were hooked on Naperville United Way’s annual event. The auction was a lot of fun and we met many people who shared our common interests, all while helping people in our community.
What are the rewards for you in donating to Naperville United Way?
When we attend the auctions, we have the opportunity to hear representatives of Naperville United Way detail all the organizations that benefit from donations to United Way, and additionally we’ve personally met some of the local individuals whose lives have improved from the help and monies they’ve received. By learning of the organizations Naperville United Way supports, we’ve become more aware of and attended fundraisers for some of those individual organizations as well.
What is the most memorable sculpture that you have purchased?
The most memorable is from the 2003 Naperville United Way Bears auction. At the auction, we eagerly listened for the name of one of our favorites. To our surprise, Linda Rose was called. As she was rolled to the stage, the image of a mother bear, lovingly holding her cub in her arm appeared. Neither of us remembered seeing her before. How had we missed her? Bart, the auctioneer, began to tell her story. Linda Rose had been a struggling single parent in our community. Friends of Families Helping Families got her on her feet and supported her as she attended nursing school. She completed all of the courses, but before she could get her nursing license, she died of cancer. The bear was created in her memory. The very emotional story, plus the fact that three key people in our family were recently touched by cancer, made Walter determined that Linda Rose would not be overlooked nor sold short. Now when we see her in our home, we marvel at the courage we as humans can possess, the generosity so many show, and looking into her eyes and those of her precious little cub, we know the importance of passing these values on to our children and grandchildren.
Having the sculptures around is a constant reminder to us and to our neighbors how blessed we are, and how many people are finding help through the efforts of Naperville United Way.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to creative positive, lasting change.
Share sculpture ideas with United Way
November 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Share sculpture ideas with United WayNovember 23, 2007
By KATE R. HOULIHAN Staff Writer
Do you dream of seeing the downtown and Riverwalk filled with a certain type of outdoor sculpture next summer? If so, the Naperville United Way wants to hear your idea.
Until Dec. 7, the organization will be accepting ideas from members of the community for the 2008 summer outdoor sculpture exhibit and fundraising event, according to Naperville United Way assistant director Deena Manna.
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The United Way chose a “farmyard friends” theme for its fundraising statues in 2004. |
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Dragons were the sculpture of the year in 2006. |
IDEAS WANTED
People with ideas for the next downtown sculptures can e-mail dmanna@uw-mc.org or fax a description to 630-369-5492. No phone calls, please. Ideas already used in past years: mermaids, seahorses, sea turtles, dolphins, dragons, baby giraffes, carousel horses, bears, farm animals, mushroom playhouses, fairy-topped benches, birdbaths, lotus blossoms and giant urns.
Last summer visitors downtown were surrounded by a sea-creature splashed landscape with the group’s “Under the Sea” theme. Past sculpture creations also have included dragons, baby giraffes, carousel horses, bears, farm animals, mushroom playhouses, fairy-topped benches, birdbaths, lotus blossoms and giant urns. Sculptures remain in the downtown area from early summer through the beginning of September, before they are sent to new homes after a live auction. Proceeds benefit the Naperville United Way.
“They can just tell us what (the idea) is, and maybe describe what type of different sculptures would be part of it,” Manna said. “So, if there’s a theme, tell us what kind of objects would be associated with it.”
People with ideas can e-mail Manna at dmanna@uw-mc.org or fax a description to 630-369-5492. Manna asked that people not call with ideas.
Dec. 7 is the cut-off date, as the sculptures will need to be created in the not-too-far future before being sent to Naperville and decorated by local artists.
Local Businessman, Art Littlefield and Bob Heap, Volunteer and Give Back to Community
October 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Naperville United Way is made up of local residents and businesses who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Local businessmen, Art Littlefield with Financial Strategies & Solutions Group and attorney Bob Heap with Kuhn, Heap and Monson, are co-chairs for the 2007 Annual Campaign.
What is your role with the United Way?
Art: Our responsibilities include creating and implementing campaign strategies and goals, reviewing current employer campaigns, and identifying prospective employers to support employee giving campaigns. Bob and I, along with NUW Chief Professional Officer Susan Fritz and NUW Board Members, meet regularly with both existing and future employer campaign participants.
Bob: Art and I have the responsibility of working with the United Way staff and Board to raise the much needed funds to allow the United Way to continue to fund the great social service agencies around Naperville. We try to bring new ideas to fundraising and promote public awareness of this great organization.
How did you get started volunteering at the Naperville United Way?
Art: I began supporting the NUW by sponsoring one of the many Farmyard Friends which were on display throughout Naperville during the summer of 2004. In addition, I have worked with Board Members to identify potential charitable giving strategies that will benefit the NUW in the years to come.
Bob: My law firm has been active in the United Way for many years now. I was approached by some board members to see if I would be willing to be a co-chair. I was more than happy to get involved.
Why do you volunteer for the Naperville United Way?
Art: NUW is a fabulous organization which provides funding to over 30 Partner Agencies utilizing ?outcome based evaluations.? It is an opportunity for our firm to support the entire Naperville community and not just individual segments.
Bob: I think that everyone should be involved in public service in their community. There is no better organization than the United Way for providing the funds necessary for helping people right here in Naperville. There are more people than you might think that just need a helping hand when times are tough. That?s not a political issue; it?s an issue of compassion.
If you would like to become a volunteer for the Naperville United Way ? Please contact Deena Manna at 630-369-2584.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
