KidsMatter’s Empower Gala to highlight artistic passions

The arts will be front and center during the 2025 Empower Gala, as talented performers share their passions in support of KidsMatter’s work to help youth realize their purpose, know their value and discover their pathway.

The gala, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville, will benefit KidsMatter programs and build toward the planned launch of an Arts and Innovation course within the popular SpringBoard Summer Series.

Artistic performers will bring a local flair to the event and treat guests to their talents in design, lighting, music, sound, piano, photography, singing and culinary artistry.

Even before the evening begins, local firm Freightwood Creative Production will design and build custom scenic elements to enhance the event’s theme: “Dream. Believe. Become.” Freightwood is an event and design production company founded by Joshua Carr and Naperville native Maddie Peterson, who together have years of experience in lighting design and multidisciplinary artistry across Broadway productions, major festivals and immersive live events.

Guests arriving at the venue will see the work of Emily Cummings of Emily Cummings Photography in Naperville, who has created stunning photos of KidsMatter Senior High Board members sharing the ways KidsMatter has helped them “Dream. Believe. Become.”

Harmony & Soul, an auditioned R&B performance group affiliated with Mays Music Centre of Excellence in Naperville, will perform musical selections during the Gala. Ben Wiersum, a former KidsMatter Senior High Board member and licensed electrician, will provide the sound system for the evening, through his business Ben Wiersum Sound Technology in Naperville. Gala performers also include Alex Amato of Naperville sharing his amazing skills on piano and Roadshow Inc. in a live performance.

Cathy Bouchard, owner of Le Chocolat du Bouchard in Naperville, is contributing her culinary artistry by providing a dessert table for guests to enjoy, rounding out a night that’s all about supporting and empowering local youth.

“This will be such a special night to celebrate all the ways KidsMatter helps our young people discover their passions and pursue their purpose,” said Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter. “We’re thrilled to have these amazing performers and artists join us as we raise funds to support our mission — and even build on the exciting offerings of our SpringBoard Series.”

Support received from Gala sponsors and guests will help KidsMatter develop and launch an Arts and Innovation section — plus continue to fund other course offerings — within the SpringBoard Summer Series, which provides career exploration in fields including physical and life sciences, construction management and trades, health care, and pharmacy.

The new Arts and Innovation section will highlight creativity and help participants gain exposure to careers involving AI, the arts and emerging technologies.

This year’s Gala comes as KidsMatter — Naperville’s youth-focused human services organization, known for building resilient kids who say “NO” to destructive choices and “YES” to endless possibilities — enters its 25th anniversary year.

Artistic Gala performers will join the event’s special guest, emcee, and Kids’ Champion Award recipient in highlighting the ways KidsMatter programs help youth discover and follow their passions.

Actor, author and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway will highlight the evening, which will be emceed by Naperville resident and retired ABC 7 Chicago anchor Alan Krashesky.

Elizabeth Braham Spencer, executive director of Naperville Community Television 17, will receive this year’s Kids’ Champion Award for her work supporting youth and sharing the missions of KidsMatter and other vital local nonprofits.

A limited number of tickets and sponsorships for the Empower Gala are still available. For details, to become a Gala sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit kidsmatter2us.org/empower/.