Cantigny museum displays trees decorated by charities
The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, invites the public to view a special holiday attraction honoring McCormick’s philanthropic legacy.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 26, the McCormick Museum will feature seven Christmas trees, each decorated by a different local nonprofit organization. The DuPage County charities were invited to participate because their missions involve issues or causes that were important to McCormick during his career and life at Cantigny.
“The community trees give a special and meaningful touch to our holiday decorations,” said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. “This is a festive way to showcase some great organizations and also help out with their 2012 funding needs.”
Museum visitors will be invited to vote for their favorite tree. They also can donate on site to one or more of the seven participating agencies. The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is providing up to $20,000 in matching funds and grants. Last year, in addition to donations by museum visitors, each participating organization received a $2,500 grant from the foundation. An additional $2,500 was awarded to the Northern Illinois Food Bank for decorating the winning tree.
McCormick’s passion for community service is well-represented by the agencies chosen to display trees inside his former home. Participating organizations are:
Ÿ DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville, offers hands-on exhibits and programs for children up to 10 years old, stimulating their curiosity, creativity and problem solving.
Ÿ DuPage Community Foundation, Wheaton, makes grants to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services.
Ÿ DuPage Senior Citizens Council, Lombard, eases the challenges of daily life for seniors by assisting them in their homes and communities.
Ÿ Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana develops courage, confidence and character in young girls, who make the world a better place.
Ÿ Giving DuPage, Wheaton, promotes giving and volunteering in DuPage County by helping people connect with nonprofit agencies that need their time and talents.
Ÿ Literacy DuPage, Naperville, provides accessible and customized tutoring in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English to help adults achieve independence.
Ÿ People’s Resource Center, Wheaton, brings neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County, providing food and other basic needs.
The trees decorated by these organizations will be positioned throughout the McCormick Museum, with two trees in the Gold Theater and five on the first floor.
A traditional 18-foot tree will greet visitors in Freedom Hall, the mansion’s historic library. Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts was selected to design and decorate this year’s grandest tree, which will have a Robert R. McCormick theme.
McCormick Museum hours in November and December are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with visits by free guided tour. The museum will be closed Nov. 24 and 25, as well as Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-31. The Community Trees exhibit will close Dec. 29.
Parking at Cantigny is $5 per vehicle or $2 during nonpeak hours. For information, visit Cantigny.org.