NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS – Non-profit organization, Little Friends, held their 40th annual benefit auction on Saturday, March 5 at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville with over 400 guests. The evening consisted of cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, and games, all within a James Bond theme dubbed ‘Shaken Not Stirred’.
In total, Little Friends raised over $200,000 that will go to support their mission to empower children and adults with special challenges to live, learn, work, and participate in their community. This year was one of the most successful in the event’s forty-year history.
“We are thrilled with the success of the auction,” said Kristi Athas Landorf, President & CEO. “It is humbling to know that after four decades the friendship, advocacy and support for this event and Little Friends only continues to grow. As we move into Autism Awareness month in April, we hope to carry this momentum forward, spreading our message of true community inclusion.”
Sponsors of the event included: Meson Sabika, Casey’s Foods, Matsock Insurance & Financial Services, KeHE, Calamos Investments, Continental Motors of Naperville, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Gerald Kia, john greene Commercial, Naperville Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank, Esser Hayes Insurance Group, IBEW Local 701, Beverly Bank & Trust Company, Boughton Materials Inc., NICOR, an AGL Resources Company, and Titan Supply. In addition, dozens of local businesses and volunteers contributed their time, talents and resources into transforming the Hilton into an evening worthy of 007 himself.
Event Photos
(pictured left to right) Kristi Athas Landorf, President & CEO, Little Friends; Mayor Steve Chirico (Naperville); Julie Chirico
Over 400 guests attended the event at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville
(pictured left to right) Paula Kinney; Ray Kinney, Partner, MACLYN; Sara Kinney
About Little Friends
Since 1965, Little Friends has served children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Always in tune with the needs of the community, Little Friends has continued to evolve, consistently introducing new and dynamic programs and services.
Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to stay abreast of the most cutting-edge therapies and learning techniques. Little Friends believes that everyone should have the opportunity for a full life in their own community with meaningful work, their choice in living arrangements, and education, strong relationships, fun and laughter. www.littlefriendsinc.org
