Yesterday, Dan Hynes mentioned that the Naperville Jaycees were a favorite of his and that they deserved more recognition.
Today, we received an email from the Jaycees highlighting some of the ways they have recently given back to the community. They are also publicizing their upcoming Mardi Gras party, that looks like it will be a lot of fun and worthwhile too. Below is the summary.
They sure do make Mr. Hynes sound spot on, in that the Jaycees definitely deserve more recognition for all of this great work!
Naperville Jaycees Give Back
NAPERVILLE, ILL. ― January 13, 2010 ― The Naperville Jaycees helped donate 200holiday gifts, 375 coats and more than 1,800 food baskets throughout the holiday season and continue to give back into 2010 with the tenth annual Mardi Gras Charity Ball.
“This holiday season it has truly been a pleasure giving back to people in need,” said Courtney Brown, Jaycees President. “These simple resources that many of us take for granted have had an impact on so many people in the community.”
Holiday Food Baskets
The Jaycees partnered with Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry for the second year to provide holiday food baskets to Pantry clients. Each holiday dinner included a turkey or ham and all the trimmings, enough to feed a family of eight.
“Teaming up with Loaves & Fishes has allowed us to provide holiday food to more families than we could do on our own, which is especially important due to the economy,” said Lauren Chirico, co-chair with Bryan McDonald, who coordinated the logistics with Loaves & Fishes representatives.
Up from 1,600 in 2008, 1,840 holiday food baskets were distributed in2009. Of these, 969 were given out for Thanksgiving and 871 for Christmas. Between the two holidays, Jaycees delivered about 25 percent to senior and disabled residents. The remaining food baskets were made available through the Loaves & Fishes on site Client Choice distribution system.
Caption: Jaycees’ Lance Bigelow and Kathy Sander volunteer at the Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry.
Holiday Gift Project
Asa result of this year’s gift-giving campaign, the Jaycees supported six different schools within District 204. Under direction of building administrators, lists were maintained within elementary schools but older siblings were able to participate as well.
“TheJaycees were the catalyst for holiday giving,” said Jason Altenbern,Community Relations Coordinator for Indian Prairie School District 204.“When first organizing this project, we wanted to help at least 20students. We far exceeded any expectations for our inaugural year and are so grateful to help so many.”
Fifty-two names were collected for the project and ultimately more than 200students received a wrapped gift, valued around $40, thanks to increased support by civic groups, such as the Rotary Clubs of Naperville and Naperville-South.
Winter Coat Drive
In the fall of 2009, the Jaycees collected new and gently-used coats via a small number of coat drives. Spearheading the efforts, the New Members Committee, along with support from various community groups, collected more than 375 coats. In addition, organizations donated mittens, hats, gloves and scarves, all of which were distributed to students in need to approximately six different schools within District 204.
“Thiswas a great opportunity to help the schools, as well as get our newmembers involved and introduced to Jaycees,” said Stacy Mayo, NewMember Co-Chair with Lindsay Tracy, who arranged the drives to includepumpkin carving and socializing while awaiting coats.
Caption:Jaycees’Lindsay Tracy, Brad Tracy, Stacy Mayo and Mary Beth Kraftcarve pumpkinswhile awaiting coat donations at the Naperville VFW.
Mardi Gras Charity Ball: Party For a Cause
Partnering with Almost Home Kids™, the Jaycees will host the 10thannual Mardi Gras Charity Ball, Saturday, Feb. 6. The evening includes silent and live auctions, entertainment by The Lady Upstairs band,Cajun food and signature cocktails.
“We’ve planned a very entertaining and exciting evening, and we’ve received a wide variety of auction items, donated by our always-supportive community,” said Meghan Trojanowski, 2010 Mardi Gras Co-Chair. “This event always proves to be a great evening while raising money for a worthy cause.”
Some of the Mardi Gras Charity Ball auction packages will include:
- Train autographed guitar.
- Jason Aldean autographed guitar.
- Private wine consultation from PRP Wine International for up to 12 people.
- Gift certificates to Naperville Running Co., Harry W. Yassen Jewelers and more.
- Four rooftop tickets in Wrigleyville.
All proceeds from the silent auction are donation to the partner charity,Almost Home Kids, whose mission is to enhance the lives of children with serious and ongoing medical challenges.
For more information on the event or to learn how to become a Jaycee, visit NaperJacees.org.
“Beinga Jaycee brings a smile to my face when I think about all the liveswe touch within the community. I can’t think of a better wayto volunteer.” said Tracy. 
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