Yuks for Youth lets students in on the joke
Even when it seems like everything is all in good fun, it's really about learning.
At least that's true in Naperville Unit District 203.
The annual Naperville Education Foundation Yuks for Youth fundraiser, which will happen Saturday to benefit District 203, will feature iO Theater's performance of "The Improvised Musical."
Improv Olympics actors will stage an entirely improvised, Broadway-style show based on a theme the audience suggests. And at the end, eight students from Naperville Central High School and another eight from Naperville North will join the actors on stage to create some more laughs.
Ann E. Spehar, Naperville Education Foundation executive director, said their moment in the spotlight certainly will be fun for the 16 students, who are all part of improv clubs at their schools and who will be taking workshops with the iO actors. But she adds that their performance also sneaks in some essential life lessons, too.
"Improv is actually used for the rest of your life: at work, on a job interview, in your personal life," Spehar said. "So they learn a lot. It's not just about comedy on stage."
Supplementing learning both in and outside of the classroom is the focus of the Naperville Education Foundation, which is the philanthropy arm of District 203. The district encompasses an early learning center, 13 elementary schools, five junior high schools, and Naperville Central and Naperville North high schools.
The organization raises money to provide programs like the Kid Booster Anonymous Fund, which supports students and families who have essential needs; the Study Skills Academy, a before- and after-school program that gives students a boost with homework and learning strategies; annual grant awards that fund creative programs; and Math Camp, for incoming sixth- and seventh-grade students focused on increasing confidence and building a positive attitude.
"Many people within the district don't realize that so much of the funding we receive through the state or property taxes goes toward funding fixed costs," Spehar said. "Ninety percent of our (district) budget is allocated to salaries, transportation, supplies, maintenance - costs that often raise each year - with very little discretionary spending and very little to support new programs.
"Our programs support the students that aren't necessarily able to be supported with that budget," she added. "We see as the years go on that we are playing an even greater role in collaborating with students, teachers and families in keeping the school district the fabulous place that it is."
Saturday's Yuks for Youth will feature cocktails at 7 p.m. followed by the show, as well as light hors d'oeuvres, a raffle and cash bar.
It is one of several annual fundraisers that happen throughout the year for the foundation, which also hosts the Building a Passion breakfast in May to showcase grant winners, the Founders Classic golf outing in July, and acts as a charity partner with the Naperville Marathon.
Spehar says Saturday's event is special, however, because several students get to play an important role in making the night a success with their performances.
"What's coolest for this event is that we are connecting the dots with the students and giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have," she said.
If you go
What: Naperville Education Foundation's Yuks for Youth fundraiser
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $55 in advance; $65 at the door
Info: nef203.org