KidsMatter to honor Youth Champion and community leader Tom Miers at ‘Field of Dreams’ Empower Gala
KidsMatter will honor community leader Tom Miers at the “Field of Dreams” Empower Gala on Friday, Oct. 18. The Naperville nonprofit is dedicated to building resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to their endless possibilities.
Miers, who recently retired after serving as president of Naperville Bank & Trust, A Wintrust Community Bank since 2010, has been an advocate for youth development in his many years on the board of the Naperville YMCA, as well as the boards of the Y of the Rockies and YMCA of Metro Chicago. Additionally, he sits on the boards of North Central College, Naperville Development Partnership, Naperville Police Foundation, The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, and the advisory board for KidsMatter.
“Tom has a strong commitment to fostering and inspiring young people to be of service to their community, making sure they have the tools to be successful,” says KidsMatter Executive Director Nina Menis. “From his early days as a swim coach at the Y to his current role supporting our Teen Philanthropy Initiative, Tom models a consistent and focused commitment to service, and to growing the next generation of leaders.”
“I am a huge supporter of all the programs offered by KidsMatter, Naperville has been blessed by so much philanthropy- when you look at all the initiatives that have made Naperville the community it is, that wouldn’t have happened without great community leaders,” Miers said. “I’m excited to be mentoring kids through the Three Pillars Teen Philanthropy Initiative and working with this organization to build on the dynamic programs they offer to create resilient leaders for the future.”
The gala, hosted by the KidsMatter board and advisory board, the Empower Gala Committee and Naperville Chamber of Commerce Team B2B, will be 6 to 11 p.m. at the Matrix in Naperville.
It includes a reception, dinner, entertainment, live auction, paddle raise and dancing. Ryan Chiaverini, sports anchor at ABC 7 Chicago and co-host of “Windy City Live,” will serve as master of ceremonies.
Special guest this year will be Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. From his 438 home runs and 1,591 RBIs to winning the 1987 NL MVP, Dawson embodies the spirit of the #EmpoweringDreams2024 Gala — encouraging youth to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.
The reception will feature young people displaying their talents. “This event is designed to plant seeds for the future of our young people,” Menis said. “All proceeds will support KidsMatter’s work to empower kids in DuPage, Kane and Will counties to realize their purpose, know their value and find their pathway.”
For tickets and sponsorship information for or to make a donation to support youth mental health and empowerment, visit kidsmatter2us.org/empower/.