Thanks for support of Naperville Lions

Thanks for support of Naperville Lions

On behalf of the members of the Naperville Noon Lions Club, I would like to thank the citizens of Naperville and surrounding communities and our sponsors for the overwhelming support which was shown for our 17th annual Turkey Trot.

Seven thousand five hundred individuals registered for the event and it was sold out one week in advance. This was an exciting and fun event which has become a family tradition in Naperville.

Over the past ten years the race has generated approximately $1.5 million. These funds, along with amounts raised from other fundraising events during the year, support our many community programs. Annually we raise approximately $240,000 from these events. Our signature program is to support individuals, primarily children, with eye exams, eye glasses, hearing screening and diabetes supplies. Over the past fiscal, services where provided to 369 individuals for both vision and hearing at a cost of over $95,000. These services are provided at no cost to those in need.

Additionally, vision screenings where conducted at the Anne Reed Early Childhood Center in Naperville by local optometrists. Other programs this year included support of the Naperville Park District, providing interactive signage at the newly opened Knoch Knolls Nature Center. Comfort toys and books are provided to children in the pediatric department of Edward Hospital to help these children relieve stressful life events. Support of over $100,000 annually is also provided to local charities, such as Little Friends, Loaves and Fishes, Donka, Inc. Easter Seals and the YMCA Safe and Sound Program.

Thank you Naperville. We hope to see you at the 2015 Turkey Trot.

Jim Ebers

President

Naperville Noon Lions Club