33rd Annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction Raises Nearly $90,000

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 350 area residents helped Little Friends, Inc. raise nearly $90,000 at its annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction on Saturday, March 7, at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville. Proceeds from the annual event benefit children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities served by the Naperville-based agency.

Now in its 33rd year, the Bids for Kids Benefit Auction is one of the longest-running auctions in the Naperville area. This year’s event celebrated the sights and sounds of one of the finest cities in the world – Chicago. Guests admired the city’s picturesque skyline and toasted Chicago’s historic landmarks while enjoying a unique and exciting “My Kind of Town” atmosphere. Festivities included cocktails, dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, raffles and entertainment.

This year’s live auction netted nearly $60,000 as event-goers bid on original client artwork, trips to Puerto Rico and Disney World and authentic sports memorabilia. Other items included several fine dining experiences, exceptional wine packages and tickets for some of the hottest sports events around, including the Major League Baseball All-Star Game this summer in St. Louis. The top-grossing item from this year’s live auction was an exciting package that included six tickets, a premium parking pass and a prime tailgating location for the Notre Dame-Michigan State game in South Bend this fall. Other top-sellers included an exciting trip for two to New York City, complete with a private tour of The Today Show, dining packages from Sullivan’s Steakhouse and agency-supporter Brad McGuire, a V.I.P. party package with the Kane County Cougars and  tickets to this summer’s much-anticipated Billy Joel/Elton John concert at Wrigley Field. 

“We are so thankful for the success of this year’s Bids for Kids Auction,” said Vice President for Development Kathleen Malecki. “We know that these are tough economic times, and the overwhelming generosity of our donors, local business and our very dedicated volunteers is truly inspiring,” added Malecki.

This year’s Bids for Kids Benefit Auction was co-chaired by Kelly Eagan (Naperville), Sue Johanson (Glen Ellyn) and Jason Nagel (Aurora). Committee members included: Jenna Cole (Naperville), Steve Connors (Naperville), Kathleen Guiterrez (Orland Park), Tara Homner (Downers Grove), Jeanne Koepke (Wheaton), Bonnie Marshall (Naperville), William McElroy (Naperville), Bob Johanson (Oswego), Heidi Pawelczyk (Darien), Lynn Piotrowski (Aurora), Clark Smith (Oswego), Kristen Sutherland (Chicago) and Janey Wagner (Naperville).

Premiere sponsors for this year’s auction included 95.9 The River, Casey’s Foods, Classic Party Rental, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Cole, Glancer Magazine, Matsock Insurance & Financial Services and the Naperville Jaycees.

Bids for Kids 2009 Auction Planning Committee
Without these dedicated volunteers, this event would not be possible:

Auction Co-Chairpersons
Kelly Eagan, Jason Nagel and Sue Johanson

Planning Committee
Jenna Cole
Steve Connors
Kathleen Gutierrez
Tara Homner
Bob Johanson
Jeanne Koepke
Bonnie Marshall
Bill McElroy
Heidi Pawelczyk
Clark Smith
Kristen Sutherland
Janey Wagner

2009 Bids for Kids Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors:

95.9 The River
American Business Graphics, Inc.
Boughton Trucking
Casey’s Foods
Classic Party Rental
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Cole
Continental Acura/Audi of Naperville
Cressman Esser, Inc.
Fast Signs
Mr. & Mrs. Harris Fawell
Frysztak Productions LLC
Glancer Magazine
Harris Bank Naperville
Hilton Lisle/Naperville
Matsock Insurance & Financial Services
Knights of Columbus-Westmont
Minuteman Press
Mutual Trust Financial Group
Naperville Jaycees
Naperville Noon Lions
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis O’Shaughnessy
Park National Bank
Phillips Flowers
Photography by Scott Pfeiffer
R & R Sports
The Naperville Sun
Titan Supply
Viamedia
Vino 100 Naperville

Join Us in 2010
Stay tuned for details on our 34th Annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction- March 2010. If you are interested in serving on the planning committee, please contact Special Events Manager Cally Edwards at (630) 281-1882 or via e-mail at credwards@lilfriends.com.