'Salute to the Arts' to benefit career center

As the unemployment rate continues to rise, the Community Career Center in Naperville is seeing a record number of people seeking jobs come through its doors.

Executive Director Amy Webber says the center now provides free job training, counseling and computer access to more than 1,500 people each month - up from 500 just a year ago.

To keep up with the growing demand for employment services, the not-for-profit organization is holding its 13th annual fundraiser, "A Salute to the Arts," on Aug. 26.

The event, which will be at Meson Sabika Tapas Restaurant & Bar, costs $60 and will include food, cocktails, entertainment, and silent and live auctions.

All proceeds will be used to provide job seekers with services in areas such as resume writing, interviewing and networking.

"It should be a fun, casual night," Webber said. "It's an open house, so people can come right after work."

While the center receives the majority of its financial support from United Way and local service groups, Webber said this year's fundraiser is particularly important because the group is seeing "double the amount of people and less funding."

Organizers hope to raise at least $35,000.

"It's a rough time for us," Webber said. "It's scary out there right now, and this is our one big fundraiser."

Board member and event Chairman Kevin Dolan said although the center "desperately needs the funds" to keep up with hard times, organizers decided to lower the cost of tickets from $75 to $60. Job seekers using the center's services can attend the event for $30.

"We brought our price down, but people will still get the same great tapa, sangria and wonderful entertainment," he said.

Artists scheduled to attend include Dick Locher, who drew the "Dick Tracy" cartoon, and local artists Marianne Lisson Kuhn and Marilyn Dale.

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra and a quartet from Naperville North High School will provide musical entertainment.

Guests also will have the opportunity to bid on more than 100 items during the silent and live auctions.

Items up for bid this year include tickets to see the Chicago Bulls or the Chicago White Sox, and a weeklong stay at Big Bear Lodge in California.

Raffle prizes also will be awarded throughout the evening.

With more than 100 new people coming into the center each month, Dolan said maintaining financial support is more important than ever.

"This center has proved so invaluable the past six months or so," he said. "Without this source for people to come to, a lot of people would be pretty lost out there."

If you go

What: "A Salute to the Arts," fundraiser for the Community Career Center

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26

Where: Meson Sabika Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville

Cost: $60, RSVP by Aug. 19

Info: (630) 961-5665