Naperville residents, Walter and Cindy Drone, committed to Naperville United Way
November 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Walter and Cindy Drone have supported the annual Naperville United Way auction since 2002 and have purchased 24 sculptures through the years, many of which are displayed in their home and garden.
How did you become involved with Naperville United Way?
We moved to Naperville in December 2001, so that following Spring, we were excited to explore the Riverwalk. As Memorial Day weekend rolled around, we became very interested in the Carousel Horses and spent many beautiful days riding our bikes to the downtown to check on our favorites. As we came to know each and every horse, we made the decision to attend the Naperville United Way auction with the hope of acquiring a Carousel Horse for our own. To our surprise, and delight, we were suddenly the proud owners of three horses. And as time would tell, we were hooked on Naperville United Way’s annual event. The auction was a lot of fun and we met many people who shared our common interests, all while helping people in our community.
What are the rewards for you in donating to Naperville United Way?
When we attend the auctions, we have the opportunity to hear representatives of Naperville United Way detail all the organizations that benefit from donations to United Way, and additionally we’ve personally met some of the local individuals whose lives have improved from the help and monies they’ve received. By learning of the organizations Naperville United Way supports, we’ve become more aware of and attended fundraisers for some of those individual organizations as well.
What is the most memorable sculpture that you have purchased?
The most memorable is from the 2003 Naperville United Way Bears auction. At the auction, we eagerly listened for the name of one of our favorites. To our surprise, Linda Rose was called. As she was rolled to the stage, the image of a mother bear, lovingly holding her cub in her arm appeared. Neither of us remembered seeing her before. How had we missed her? Bart, the auctioneer, began to tell her story. Linda Rose had been a struggling single parent in our community. Friends of Families Helping Families got her on her feet and supported her as she attended nursing school. She completed all of the courses, but before she could get her nursing license, she died of cancer. The bear was created in her memory. The very emotional story, plus the fact that three key people in our family were recently touched by cancer, made Walter determined that Linda Rose would not be overlooked nor sold short. Now when we see her in our home, we marvel at the courage we as humans can possess, the generosity so many show, and looking into her eyes and those of her precious little cub, we know the importance of passing these values on to our children and grandchildren.
Having the sculptures around is a constant reminder to us and to our neighbors how blessed we are, and how many people are finding help through the efforts of Naperville United Way.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to creative positive, lasting change.
Pete Stefani, Local Business Owner, Committed to the Naperville United Way
April 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
One such Naperville resident is local businessman, Peter Stefani, owner of Kings Court Builders.
Why do you give to the Naperville United Way?
I am very pleased to give back to the community that I live and work in ? and I do that through the Naperville United Way. The Naperville United Way seeks out good causes in this great community. They do their homework on the charities and the specific needs of the community. The Naperville United Way makes it easy for me ? they ensure my donation is making an impact on my community.
How did you get started donating to the Naperville United Way?
Volunteers from the Naperville United Way Board of Directors came to my office and explained to me all about the United Way. I was very impressed that these local volunteers would give of their time to explain the United Way to me first hand. It made the decision to give a simple one.
How long have you been giving to the Naperville United Way?
I have been giving to the Naperville United Way for several years ? A couple of years ago my wife, Jenny, asked me why I didn?t give to the individual charities. So we called up the United Way and they came in to explain to her what they do and how they operate ? she is now a big fan of the Naperville United Way. I think the more people that check out the Naperville United Way the more they will be believers, too.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
92-Year Old Gives What She Can - $5 a Year ? To Make Difference
January 1, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
For the last decade or so, 92-year old Mildred Lindner has given five dollars a year to Naperville United Way.
Why do you give to Naperville United Way?
Well, I?ve lived here in town for about 25 years, and it makes me feel a part of the community to give to United Way. I know they do good work and that my money will go to helping people in my community. So when the letter comes (from Naperville United Way) I just send in my five dollars.
How does it make you feel to give to Naperville United Way?
It makes me feel good. I don?t have a lot of money to give, but I do what I can.
What would you say to other people about donating to Naperville United Way?
I wouldn?t say anything because it?s none of my business what other people do or give. I would just hope that they would do what they can, but it?s not for me to say. I just know that for me, it?s important to help.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
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