McNamee family launches new Dundee-area foundation
The legacy of one of the Dundee area's most philanthropic and exuberant families will be carried out through a new charitable organization, the McNamee Family Foundation.
Its first order of business? A black-tie fundraiser Saturday night.
The McNamee family has made a splash in the community since moving to Carpentersville in the 1950s. The family matriarch, Joanne, was a math teacher for 23 years and instilled in her 11 children the importance of education, a love of the outdoors and a desire to help others, said her daughter, Eileen McNamee, the foundation's executive director.
Her identical twin brothers - Tim, an attorney, and Thom, an international model - became prominent community figures as well, known for throwing elaborate parties, sponsoring local sports teams and running the popular Bandito Barney's Beach Club and Bordello.
After Tim was fatally shot outside his law office in 1987, family members say, Thom stepped up his involvement by revitalizing more East Dundee properties and donating a park and canoe launch in his brother's memory.
He also helped start the town's annual St. Patrick's Day parade, Eileen McNamee said, through which the family began collecting money for the FISH Food Pantry and Friends of the Fox River environmental organization.
"We started using this as a catalyst to fundraise for two causes that were very dear to my family and brothers," said Eileen, who took over the parade a decade ago when Thom died of a brain tumor. "So then over the years, we started to do better and people wanted to give more. We thought, let's start a foundation where we can continue on with those efforts."
The McNamee Family Foundation aims to support both causes, she said, and also provides scholarships for local high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or math.
To kick off the fundraising efforts, leaders are hosting an inaugural Emerald Ball at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at The Brix on the Fox, 260 S. Washington St., Carpentersville.
"Our family has been very involved in the community for a long time," Eileen McNamee said. "My mom always said that we're not all given the same, and those that have more have a responsibility (to give back)."
The nonprofit's introduction to the community is particularly fitting, she said, given Thom's knack for hosting large parties annually at his house. Attendees would arrive in their best attire for the events, which had a different color scheme every year, she recalled.
The Emerald Ball theme will remain the same year after year, McNamee said, noting she expects the event to grow over time. This year's party will include live music, Irish step dancers, and a live and silent auction.
Tickets cost $150, which covers dinner and an open bar. Those interested in attending can email emeraldball1221@gmail.com. Donations also are being accepted.