Aurora hopes new decal sticks with residents

In a unique twist to killing two birds with one stone, a former Aurora alderman and a business owner have devised a way to boost civic pride and help charities, just by applying a window sticker to your vehicle.

Former Eighth Ward alderman Chris Beykirch said the idea for an Aurora window sticker came from an old decal he recently found in the Aurora Chamber of Commerce building.

"It was a very interesting decal that was associated with the banks and savings and loan association in Aurora but the reality of it is that it doesn't suit Aurora today," Beykirch said. "With that sticker, it was obviously a point of civic pride to display that on your car. I'm acutely aware that the city council often times has to bear the brunt of coming up with new ideas and ways to promote civic pride."

Beykirch said he contacted Scott Voris, owner of Kelmscott Press, to see about designing a new logo and creating an updated sticker, more reflective of the city.

"It's an initiative we put together as two people who love their community, are very concerned about its image and how we need to be properly portrayed throughout the western suburbs and the entire Chicago region," Beykirch said. "And with that came up with the idea that there could be a benefit to local charities by issuing this and getting it on people's cars all over the city."

Voris said he was "in" as soon as the idea to donate the entire $3 purchase price to a local charity was raised. Stickers can be purchased, beginning today at the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, 43. W. Galena Blvd., and at the Web site aurorapride.com.

All proceeds will benefit the Family Counseling Services of Aurora, 70 S. River St., which serves 3,200 families and individuals from southern Kane and Kendall counties in a range of programs including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Consumer Credit Counseling Services.

Voris said he and Beykirch also will be reaching out to fundraising groups who want to raise money for interests of their own.

"This is a great idea and it looks great," said Mayor Tom Weisner.