December 4, 2023 – Downers Grove, IL: DuPage Foundation celebrated an evening of community philanthropy at its Annual Benefit: Under the Sea, on Saturday, November 4, at The Westin Chicago Lombard, with nearly 350 guests in attendance.
With support from donors, community partners, and sponsors, the event has grossed nearly $580,000 to date for DuPage Foundation operations and programs. This funding is critical in helping the Foundation carry out its work of raising the quality of life throughout DuPage County. Additional contributions toward the event are expected through year end.
During the event, more than $160,000 was contributed through a paddle raise, thanks in part to a generous $50,000 matching challenge provided by Duly Health and Care, Earl and Kay Harbaugh of St. Charles, and Joe and Amy Weidenbach of Naperville.
"It was a spectacular night of celebration in which our community showed up in force to support our work,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation president & CEO. “The generosity of our friends and partners exceeded expectations and reaffirmed the incredible spirit of giving that defines our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant DuPage County through our collective impact.”
Guests enjoyed a feast inspired by the sea along with live music and dancing provided by Felix And Fingers Dueling Pianos, who also led a game of “Name That Tune.”
Congratulations to the first place winners of that game, the table of Busy Butternut, led by Cynthia Hyett, who recommended 360 Youth Services to receive a $1,000 grant from DuPage Foundation.
Event sponsors of DuPage Foundation’s 2023 Annual Benefit: Under the Sea included as follows:
Premier Sponsor
Northern Trust
Matching Challenge Partners
Duly Health and Care, Lead Matching Challenge Partner
Earl and Kay Harbaugh
Joe and Amy Weidenbach
Pearl Sponsor
G. Carl Ball Family Foundation
Aquamarine Sponsor
Ernie and Diane Mrozek
Amethyst Sponsors
Bill and Jen Blum
BMO Harris Bank
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
Rich and Rebecca Cline
Al and Patti Gustafson
Spraying Systems Co.
Table Sponsors
Steve and Emily Burt
Busy Butternut
Capstone Financial Advisors
Latham & Watkins with Robert and Victoria Fernandez
Charlie and Kathy McKenna
The McMahon Family
Joan Morrissey
Q1 Tech with Krishna and Meghna Bansal
Rathje Woodward with Tim and Anne Elliott
Steve and Megan Shebik
Simon/Myers with Jim and Marci Myers
Wheaton Bank & Trust and Wintrust Wealth Management
Turquoise Sponsors
Apparatus Cinema Service
Booming Color
Busey Bank
Itasca Bank & Trust Co.
Learn more about DuPage Foundation’s 2023 Benefit sponsor partners at dupagefoundation.org/UndertheSea.
