Naperville's Ribfest to donate $548,000 to charity

More than $500,000 will be making its way to the bank accounts of 52 Naperville-area nonprofit groups and social service agencies as a result of last summer's Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest.

The festival drew more than 150,000 people over five days for fireworks, music and 13 varieties of ribs. Organizers this week said it raised $548,000 for groups that work to prevent child abuse and domestic violence.

The fundraising total tops amounts raised the past several years, which have hovered around the $500,000 mark, said Don Emory, Ribfest spokesman. The festival benefitted from better weather than the previous year and a five-day run, he said.

Next year's fest is scheduled for four days from July 3 through 6 at Knoch Park in Naperville. Doors will be open from noon to 10 p.m. each day.

In late February the Naperville Exchange Club, which has planned and hosted Ribfest since 1987, will distribute the festival proceeds during a luncheon for the organizations chosen to receive funds. While 52 will get donations, organizers said more than 90 projects applied to receive a portion of Ribfest spoils.

The Exchange Club will announce which groups receive funds next month, but some organizations commonly funded by Ribfest include Project HELP, the Edward Foundation, DuPage PADS, Our Children's Homestead, Fox Valley Hospice and Senior Home Sharing.

The money raised this year brings the total Ribfest has generated in 26 years to more than $14 million, Emory said.

Organizers plan to begin lining up artists and announcing headliners in February and March. Emory said country music usually highlights the Fourth of July, while a variety of rock artists take the stage on other nights.