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KIDSMATTER BENEFIT
Ignite the Nite Benefit Concert Featuring American Idol’s Gina Glockson
KidsMatter in Naperville will present its first Benefit Showcase Concert at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College on April 19. The program will showcase the finest music, dance and theatrical talents of high school students from Naperville School Districts 203 and 204 and Benet Academy. Naperville singer and American Idol finalist Gina Glocksen will also sing, and WGN-TV weatherman and Waubonsie Valley High School graduate Paul Konrad will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The concert is being produced and directed by a professional production team that includes local actor/director/educator Elic Bramlett. Tickets will also be available for a VIP benefit reception featuring musicians from area middle schools.
“This is a unique opportunity for young performers to share one of the finest performance venues in the country with a nationally recognized vocal talent,” says KidsMatter Executive Director, IdaLynn Wenhold. “Our organization is all about celebrating kids and enabling them to realize the enormous possibilities available to them. This concert will help raise funds for our educational efforts, job fair, volunteer fair and skater’s picnic.”
Research shows that kids battle the stress of academic, social and economic competition every day. Left unmanaged, these stressors can undermine healthy personal development and lead to chronic anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol use and thoughts of suicide. KidsMatter equips youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life. Funds raised from Ignite The Nite will benefit KidsMatter’s character-building events and community outreach programs. Visit www.kidsmatter2us.org.

PANCREATIC CANCER WALK 2012– IT’S PERSONAL
Phil Pagano lived life to the fullest. He was committed to his family, cherished his friends, and had a sweet spot for humor. Pagano loved music and enjoyed rockin’ with his Santana tribute band. His last performance was at Naperville’s 2010 Oktoberfest; life was cut short and fast by pancreatic cancer at the age of 62. Pagano’s daughter, Ann Zediker of Naperville, has made it her personal mission to support finding a cure, so no other families have to feel the loss she feels. Join Ann and her family in the fight against pancreatic cancer on April 15th in the Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Naperville. One-hundred percent of donations will go directly to pancreatic cancer research. Register at http://2012napervillewalk.kintera.org.

THE HUMAN RACE
Giving DuPage in Wheaton helps connect donors and volunteers with area nonprofit agencies. They are currently organizing nonprofits across DuPage County in an event that will raise awareness about each organization. Twenty organizations are registered to take part in the 5K Human Race on April 21st. It is sure to be an incredible and bountiful experience for all staff, volunteers, and supporters. “The Human Race is a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate with other area nonprofits to raise funds and awareness of our mission and services, recruit new volunteers, and enjoy a special activity with our current volunteers and supporters,” says Jody Bender, community relations director for Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry in Naperville.
Nonprofits are still able to register to participate in the Human Race. Registration is open at www.active.com/dupagehumanrace.org. The community can help support the agency of their choice by making a donation at www.active.com/donate/dupagehumanrace. “We chose to participate in the Human Race because we are a volunteer community chorus that relies upon grants, donations, and ticket sales to meet our operating budget,” says Jen VanWinkle, vice president of marketing for the Downers Grove Choral Society. “We plan on putting the money raised from this event towards the free family events we do,” says Margaret Gazdacka, CPRP, facility supervisor and naturalist at the Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia. “We have four events a year: in March we have our maple tapping event, Earth Day in April, in August we have our largest event, Bug Fest, and in October we do a fun Fall Fest.” For more information visit www.givingdupage.org.

Agencies registered to participate as of 2/21/12:
• Downers Grove Choral Society
• DuPage Children's Museum
• DuPage Convalescent Center Foundation
• DuPage Homeowership Center
• Kiwanis of Greater Chicagoland Foundation
• Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center
• Habitat for Humanity Illinois
• HCS Family Services
• Humanitarian Service Project
• Literacy DuPage
• Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
• Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
• Naperville Area Humane Society
• Naperville Woman's Club
• Northern Illinois Food Bank
• PACT, Inc.
• People's Resource Center
• Red Oak Nature Center, Fox Valley Park District
• Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center
• The Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund

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