Roaring '20s, 'Jail 'n Bail' part of gala

"Ain't Misbehavin' - A 1920s Experience" will be the theme of the DuPage Foundation's 23rd annual benefit from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 21, at The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Oak Brook campus, 2815 Jorie Blvd.

The theme will pay homage to Chicago's Roaring Twenties with a host of activities, including music and dancing courtesy of The City Lights Orchestra, spirits tastings, live and silent auctions and back-alley-style charitable gaming.

In addition, the foundation has partnered with some of its not-for-profit agencies to help them raise money and generate awareness for the work they do with a "Partners in Philanthropy - Jail 'n Bail" opportunity.

Four of the foundation's not-for-profit partners, Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus; Bridge Communities, Inc.; Family Shelter Service; and Naperville CARES have elected to take part.

During October, each agency, along with their selected "Champions," raised money from their constituents for their agency endowment funds that the foundation manages on their behalf. The three agencies that raised the most money were invited to attend the benefit as guests of the foundation to further promote their organizations and have the opportunity to raise additional dollars that evening as part of a "Jail 'n Bail."

At some point during the evening, each agency's "Champion" will be "arrested" and sent to "jail." He or she will then be brought up for a "hearing" during the program, in which the agency's mission and impact will be spotlighted and a representative will "plead" their case to raise additional funds for the organization.

"The Jail 'n Bail opportunity is a neat twist on a 'fund-a-need' paddle raise, which many not-for-profits offer at their galas to encourage support for their programs," said Mike Sitrick, foundation director of development.

"But rather than make our focus just about the foundation, our Benefit Committee decided to do something unique this year that not only ties in with our theme, but also highlights our not-for-profit partners and helps them to raise funds for their endowments."

Tickets are $500. For additional information about the benefit or the "Partners in Philanthropy - Jail 'n Bail," visit www.dupagefoundation.org and click on "The Benefit."