Changing Children's Worlds Foundation hosts spring fundraiser

On Sunday, March 15, Changing Children's Worlds Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, held its annual spring fundraiser at Villa Verone Ristorante in Geneva.

Its two major programs are the International Child Development Program, internationally recognized by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, which strengthens empathy-based relationships, communications, guidance and support between parents/caregivers and children, infant to age 12; and the Integrative Youth Development Program, which measures and identifies ways to help youth, age 12-24, succeed within families, schools and communities.

Villa Verone owner Pietro Verone has extended the generosity of his establishment for the past two years by hosting the "Celebrate Children" at his historic location and making a major contribution through donation of the dinners. Verone was honored by the foundation as one of the first four recipients of the new annual "Champions of Empathy Award."

Gerry Dempsey accepted the award for Batavia Enterprises, given in recognition of their support in providing affordable office/educational/training space for its operations from 2012-15.

Jeffery Hartman of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley was recognized for funding the printing of 3,000 ICDP Children's Booklets. These are distributed by the foundation throughout Kane County during spring/summer/fall community events with their "Children's Playhouse Project" public empathy awareness campaign, more broadly throughout Chicago through training and education programs.

Gwen Brewer accepted the award for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Corp., lauded for the 1,000-plus books they have donated to the foundation, and their continuing donations enabling it to supply free "100-Book Libraries" to parent program participants throughout the Chicago area, with the goal of encouraging parents to create a tradition of having books in their homes to read to their children, promoting literacy and family bonding.

Guest emcee Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns enlivened the program with introductions, encouraging the silent auction bidding and applauding the organization's vision. Board members Pat and Bob Engel presented the foundation with a $1,000 check from the Tri-Cities Exchange Club.

Board treasurer Kyle Hempel presented the financial update and foundation Executive Director Kimberly Svevo-Cianci presented an update on the reach of its Empathy-based Violence Prevention programs.

Char Rivette, executive director of the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, an organization that has united public, private and community partners to ensure the safety, health and well-being of abused children, updated the state of the issue of child abuse in our communities.

Honored guests included the Rev. Alvin and Di Ann Stewart of St. Titus One M.B. Church in West Pullman, Chicago, home of one of the foundation's ICDP Family Programs.

Board member John Hall unveiled his John Hall Homes-built and donated "Ultimate Children's Playhouse Project," designed by Jessica Hall-Jungmann, lead designer of Cabinetry Boutique in St. Charles.

Only 1,200 $20 raffle tickets will be sold for the Old World Tudor designed playhouse, valued at over $15,000. Called "Old on the Outside, Smart on the Inside," with full LED lighting inside and out, a GFI, multiple USB built-in charging ports and secure Wi-Fi, integrated HD CAM with night vision, microphone and speaker will allow parents to check on their children anytime from phone/tablet or computer. Built with universal ADA access, a second-floor reading and sleeping loft with custom ladder and safety rail, the playhouse will make its community debut at the City of St. Charles Pride of the Fox RiverFest in June.

The raffle winner will be drawn at the foundation's fall fundraiser, "Jazz in the Pavilion," on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Pottawatomie Park. Mike McGee Architects created the architectural drawings.

Another great success was found in the collection of 257 children's books, donated by guests at attending the event, which will be used to restock the "100 Book Libraries."

Raffle tickets and tickets to Sept. 19th's "Jazz in the Pavilion" can be found online at www.changingchildrensworlds.org.