Raising Awareness: Little Friends Benefit Auction Celebrates 60 Years of Advocacy

Bringing together community members and advocates in support of individuals of autism and developmental disabilities, the Little Friends Benefit Auction is about to enter its 48th year of fundraising.

Set for Saturday, March 1, the auction will take place at The Matrix in Naperville, 808 S. Route 59. This year’s event is particularly momentous as Little friends celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Founded in 1965 by teachers, parents and advocates wanting to create a school for children with special needs, Little Friends serves more than 800 people throughout nine counties and 54 school districts across northern Illinois.

“This event is special as it is a reminder that we could not celebrate 60 years without a long-standing commitment and support from the surrounding communities,” said Jason Altenbern, Chief Development Officer for Little Friends. “Our Benefit Auction has grown in significance as our agency’s mission has expanded to meet a growing need for serving others in our neighborhoods.”

With an anticipated attendance of more than 600 guests, the evening will feature a high-energy atmosphere, live entertainment by Chicago-based Spoken Four with Maggie Speaks, and a robust selection of more than 20 live auction packages. The auction will directly support Little Friends' program initiatives, which serve individuals across multiple counties in northern Illinois.

The event also holds historical significance this year, as it honors the 100th birthday of Little Friends’ founder, Dottee Krejci. Her four children and eight grandchildren will be in attendance, making it a poignant moment for the organization.

“Our CEO, Mike Briggs, will highlight key program innovations and share how the funds we receive positively impact the people we care for and their families every day,” Altenbern said.

Among the sponsors helping to make this event possible is Gerald Subaru of Naperville and The Gerald Auto Group, a long-standing supporter of Little Friends.

“The Gerald family has faithfully supported Little Friends for more than 40 years,” Altenbern said. “Neil Gerald made our organization one of the first agencies he supported in his outreach efforts, and today, his sons Doug and Matt continue that tradition in significant ways. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Gerald Auto, not only for financially supporting us but also for being such amazing ambassadors and fierce friends of our mission.”

“The contributions Little Friends has made to the community over the years are truly remarkable and invaluable,” said Donna Lawler from the Gerald Auto Group. “We are proud to support an organization that delivers vital services and makes such a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”

To learn more about the Little Friends Benefit Auction, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org/48th-annual-little-friends-benefit-auction. For more information on Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit www.geraldsubarunaperville.com. For more on The Gerald Auto Group, visit geraldcares.com.