KidsMatter plans Ignite the Nite concert, cabaret
The sixth annual Ignite the Nite concert benefiting Naperville's KidsMatter will feature student and adult performers from the community in a dinner-theater cabaret.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 8, at Elements at Water Street in Naperville, the cabaret will raise money for KidsMatter's programs and initiatives to help youngsters and families manage stress and say "no" to destructive behaviors and "yes" to possibilities.
The program will feature songs and stories by players including Councilwoman Becky Anderson; police Cmdr. Ken Parcel; Springbrook Elementary teacher Stuart Vance; YMCA Executive Director RJ Bartels; Naperville Unit District 203 Director of Community Relations Julie Carlsen; owner of Naperville Moms Network & Chiropractor Dr. Cathy Subber; 360 Youth Services Development Director Jason Altenbern; Third Party Pet COO Adam Stachowiak; and Good Shepherd Church Senior Pastor Greg Wenhold. Shannon Greene Robb of Arranmore Arts will be on keyboard.
Student performers from Naperville's School of Performing Arts are Eleanor Giacalone, Chloe Hild, Grace Johnson, Kyle Halford, Ronan McCarter, Audrey Hare, Anna Snyder, Anna Bramlett, Ingrid Lowery, Seven Acosta and SPAcappella, the school's a cappella ensemble.
The Benet Academy Jazz Band will entertain during cocktails and provide additional music for the cabaret.
The event will include a silent Fund-a-Need auction and raffle.
The evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and a special post-show entertainment after-party.
The evening will honor the Naperville police and fire departments and police Chief Bob Marshall and fire Chief Mark Puknaitus for their efforts on behalf of youth, including first response, prevention programs and education.
The program also will recognize District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 high school principals who are on the front lines supporting youth every day.
"We know for a fact that adult mentors, including parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, counselors and community leaders, make a huge difference in the development of our young people," KidsMatter Executive Director IdaLynn Wenhold said.
"Given the stressors young people and their families face today, it's critical that we work together to share the skills and support that can circumvent bullying, depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide. Our young people depend on all of us to help."
KidsMatter is a Naperville-based not-for-profit organization that equips youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life through school and community programs, practical education, resources and youth recognition.
Tickets for cocktails, dinner, cabaret and after-show entertainment are $175. For tickets and information, contact KidsMatter at www.kidsmatter2us.org or call (630) 527-6562.