Rescue Riders get $7,500

The Kane County-based Rescue Riders program has received a $7,500 donation to train 300 volunteers in Illinois and Wisconsin. The donation, from the law firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C., will be used to recruit, educate, equip and organize volunteer motorcycle riders who are trained in first aid and CPR so they can assist authorities in emergency situations. Rescue Riders was founded in Kane County five years ago by St. Charles insurance agent Dean Akey, and has since expanded into other counties and states. For more information, go to rescueriders.org.

Helping those in need

Fox Valley United Way is seeking partners to help provide holiday gifts for area children and families in need. Businesses, community groups, families and individuals may adopt an individual or family. Send checks made payable to Fox Valley United Way to 40 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506; purchase a gift card from a local grocery store to help provide a holiday meal; drop off an unwrapped gift at the Fox Valley United Way office by Dec. 10. For details, call (630) 896-4636.

Cantigny photo contest

Amateur photographers of all ages have until Tuesday, Dec. 15 to enter their best images in the Cantigny in Focus annual photo contest. Entries must be images from the grounds of Cantigny, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Judges will select the best photo from each of 10 categories that include events, gardens, concerts, statues, children's activities and wildlife. An additional 10 winners will be chosen from all images submitted. The top 20 entries will be displayed starting Feb. 5, 2010, at the Cantigny Visitors Center Gallery. The public will vote on their favorite images and prizes will be awarded for the top three. Call (630) 260-8167 or e-mail bgray@cantigny.org.