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April 17, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Dee Dee McDevitt, Director of Marketing & Sales
[email protected]
(630) 637-8000 ext. 2600
DuPage Children’s Museum’s A Force For Early Learning Benefit Ball
Raises more than $380,000 for Early Education
(Naperville, IL) – DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) hosted its annual fundraising event on Saturday, April 11,
2015 at the Marriott Chicago Naperville Hotel in Naperville, IL. The black tie optional benefit was an electrifying
evening of live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and special honorees. The event is the top fundraiser for
the nonprofit, which depends on donations and grants to cover a large portion of its operating budget.
Emceed by Judy Hsu, Co-Anchor of ABC7 News This Morning, the event began at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail
reception, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by The School of Performing Arts and a silent auction. After the silent
auction and much socializing, guests entered the well-appointed and elegant grand ballroom to enjoy a
delicious dinner and entertaining program.
Judy Hsu welcomed guests, followed by opening remarks from David Carpenter, Chairman of the Board; and
Sarah Orleans, President & CEO of DuPage Children’s Museum. Carpenter offered special recognition to
Benefit Ball Co-Chairs Shirin Komanduri and Kelley Switz, as well as the entire benefit ball committee, and
thanked them for the incredible contributions of talent and time that brought such an important event about
DCM’s mission to life.
One of the most important highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Great Friend to Kids
Award, a national effort embraced by children’s museums across the country to honor those who have made
significant contributions to enriching lives of children. Scott Swanson, President PNC Bank Illinois, presented
the award to this year’s recipient, Chris Crane, president and CEO, Exelon Corporation.
“One way Exelon gives back to its communities is by helping create innovative opportunities, like those at the
DuPage Children’s Museum, to engage young people in science and technology,” Crane said. “I’m honored to
be this year’s award recipient and share this recognition with every Exelon employee who works to better his or
her community.”
Under Crane’s leadership, Exelon continues to make significant investments in the community, including
educational partnerships that create opportunities for children to learn about energy and the science behind it.
DuPage Children’s Museum is also honored to be the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Exelon
Foundation, Exelon’s non-profit philanthropic organization, for the museum’s new exhibit, AWESOME
ENERGY!
The evening continued with a very high-energy and successful live auction, led by Auctioneer David A.
Goodman. A special paddle raise took place to raise money for the DCM Family Access Membership (FAM), a
program that allows families to purchase a family membership for only $10 upon presenting a LINK card.
Net proceeds for the evening garnered over $380,000. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff and volunteer teams
for their efforts in making this year’s ball a success. The impact from the generosity in the room was simply
amazing,” said Susan Stellmacher, DCM’s Director of Development.
DCM would like to thank A Force For Early Learning Benefit Ball sponsors, including lead sponsors Exelon,
Grosvenor, Macy’s, and PNC Bank and other sponsors to include: Sidley Austin, LLP; Allstate; BMO Harris
Bank; Bulley & Andrews, LLC; The Duchossois Family Foundation; Excel Displays & Packaging; Tyrone C.
Fahner / Mayer Brown; McCormick Foundation; Nicor Gas; Northern Trust; PwC; Lydia and Pat Ryan / Ryan
Enterprises Group; ASGK; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois; Rita and John Canning; Crowe Horwath LLP;
Fieldglass, Inc.; Ice Miller; JB & MK Pritzker; Res Publica Group.
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About DuPage Children’s Museum
DuPage Children’s Museum is more than a Museum...we’re a force for early learning! Via interactive exhibits
and programs that make learning fun for children and adults playing together, DuPage Children’s Museum
helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children. The Museum is located at
301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, Illinois, a quick walk from the Naperville Metra Train station. Visit
www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000.
Photo Caption: (Left) Scott Swanson
presenting Chris Crane, Great Friends to
Kids Award. (Below, Left to Right,) Judy
Brodhead, Naperville Councilwoman, Sarah
Orleans, DCM President & CEO, Emcee and
ABC & News Anchor, Judy Hsu.