Community trees display missions of nonprofits
The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park invites visitors to a holiday attraction honoring Col. McCormick’s philanthropic legacy.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 26, the McCormick Museum will feature seven Community Trees, each decorated for Christmas by a different local nonprofit organization. The area charities were invited to participate because their missions involve issues or causes that were important to McCormick during his career and life at Cantigny.
“We’re pleased to offer this program for the fourth year, and our visitors look forward to it,” said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. “Best if all, it helps the participating organizations raise public awareness for their programs and get a head start on their 2014 funding needs.”
Museum visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree. They also can donate on site to one or more of the seven participating agencies.
Each participating organization will receive a $2,500 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in addition to 100 percent of any donations made by museum visitors. The agency whose tree is voted most popular will receive an additional $2,500. The foundation has committed $20,000 to the program in total.
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 PADS, Wheaton — As the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in the area, DuPage PADS transforms lives through their solution of housing coupled with support services and employment.
Ÿ Honor Flight Chicago — The organization thanks and pays tribute to veterans, especially World War II vets, by flying them to Washington, D.C., at no cost for a day of honor and remembrance.
Ÿ Celebrate Differences, Oswego — The group operates the Disability Awareness Center, a place for families of children with disabilities to feel part of a larger, accepting community. Services include monthly workshops, annual parties, play groups, autism and Down syndrome support groups.
Ÿ DuPage County Area Project, Glendale Heights — The community group develops and sponsors efforts aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency, creating strong community and keeping the community’s youth out of trouble.
Ÿ Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center — The agency helps children from low-income families acquire the necessary skills in academics and social interaction to move successfully through elementary, middle and high school and into adulthood.
Ÿ Friends of DuPage Forest Preserve District, Wheaton — The foundation raises money for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, advancing the district’s preservation and restoration goals and furthering its education and recreation programs.
Ÿ SaveAVet.org, Lindenhurst — The organization rescues military and law enforcement working dogs and other service animals when they are no longer able to serve, and provides housing and relief for disabled veterans who help take care of the animals.
The trees decorated by these seven organizations will be positioned throughout the McCormick Museum, with two trees in the Gold Theater and five on the first floor.
In addition, an 18-foot tree will greet visitors in Freedom Hall, the mansion’s historic library. Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts was selected for the third consecutive year to design and decorate the grand tree.
McCormick Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday in November and December, with visits by free guided tour. The Community Trees also may be viewed during Cantigny’s Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival during the museum’s open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
The museum will be closed on Thanksgiving and the day after, and also closed Dec. 24 and 25. The last day for the Community Trees exhibit is Sunday, Dec. 29, the museum’s final day of 2013 operations.
Parking at Cantigny is $5 per vehicle or $2 during nonpeak hours. More information, including park hours, directions and details about upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org.
If you go
What: Community Trees
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 26 to Dec. 29. and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. (Closed Thanksgiving, the day after, and Dec. 24 and 25)
Where: Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free with $5 parking; $2 during nonpeak hours
Info: Cantigny.org