A Look at Clubs

By Dawn Klavon

Naperville was named the ‘Best City to Raise a Family in America’ in 2022 by Niche online rankings, and residents would agree there’s plenty to be proud of in their community.

Best of all, Naperville residents and business owners possess a sense of community pride and commitment, endeavoring to serve those around them. Each of us are indebted to these individuals for their selfless service, unwavering commitment to excellence, and for the difference they make in our world. How do they do this? Community groups are abundant, with numerous opportunities for businesses and residents alike to enjoy collaboration and public service.

Chamber of Commerce Connects Businesses

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) offers business owners a chance to connect, learn, and network with other local businesses.

“We started in 1913 and have a long-standing tradition of bringing resources to the business community,” said Kelli Keyzers, NACC director of marketing and communications. “We connect business leaders—we connect different types of businesses that can collaborate.”

Formed by the businesses of the Naperville area—emerging, small, mid-size, and large global subsidiaries—the Chamber is led by professionals of all ages that embrace bold thinking as the foundation of the organization.

“Being a NACC member is inspirational,” said John Robbins, owner of Awards & Fine Gifts, Inc. “Meeting professionals from a variety of companies and organizations is a never-ending way to find new business, establish rapport, grow relationships and maintain ongoing business.”

Interested in joining? Find membership information online at www.naperville.net/.

Four Rotary Clubs Serving Naperville

The Rotary Club of Naperville offers four membership options, including a morning, noon, and ‘after dark’ option for locals interested in connecting in this international organization. Rotary members serve by identifying underserved needs and taking action to empower others.

“As president of The Rotary Club of Naperville this past year, it was heartwarming to witness firsthand the incredible work Rotary does not only within our community but around the globe!” said Kim White.

Local leaders say people join Rotary to make personal and professional connections to likeminded people who seek to make the world a better place, both locally and globally. This international organization enhances the local community through club projects, student scholarships, and fundraising for non-profits who provide essential services.

“We also support disadvantaged people around the world through global grants and projects facilitated by Rotary International,” said Rich Tatara, president-elect for the Rotary Club of Naperville. “With 32,000 clubs in 220 countries, ‘Service Above Self’ is the motto of all 1.4 million Rotarians.”

Interested in joining? For information about: Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, log onto https://www.napervillesunrise.com/.

Rotary Club of Naperville, log onto https:// napervillerotary.com/.

Rotary Club of Naperville After Dark, log onto https://napervillerotaryafterdark.org/.

Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown, log onto https://rcndowntown.com/.

Jaycees Give Time and Resources

Another outstanding Naperville community organization is the Jaycees, which is the Junior Chamber. It was chartered here in the mid-1950s with a commitment to building Naperville’s future leaders. The group is dedicated to helping the community by volunteering time, fundraising, helping others, and recognizing outstanding effort of others within the community. Two of the Jaycee’s most popular events in Naperville are the Last Fling and Breakfast with Santa.

Interested in joining? Find valuable Jaycee membership information online at www.naperjaycees.org/.

Got a Green Thumb?

The Naperville Garden Club may be perfect for you. The group works to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs while encouraging civic interest and providing scholarships to those students pursuing degrees that reflect the interests of the Club. Garden enthusiasts also gather to enhance the Naperville environment by donating trees, plants, and services to beautify public buildings and other public places.

Interested in finding out more about the Naperville Garden Club? Log onto https://www.napervillegardenclub.org/

Women, Unite!

Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish,” and the women of Naperville wholeheartedly prove her point through the Naperville Woman’s Club, dedicated to promoting community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

The organization was founded as a literary club in 1897 by 19 women whose goal was to help members assume a role outside of their homes and churches—a bold undertaking in the 19th century. Today, the NWC focuses its philanthropic activities on art, education, and community service. The annual Fine Art & Artisan Fair is the longest continuously operating art fair in Illinois. Club members also participate in local service projects that benefit the community.

For NWC membership information, log onto https://www.napervillewomansclub.org/

Lions Club Roars in Naperville Lions Clubs International (LCI) is the largest and most active service organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members in 182 countries. Lions Club members assist people who cannot afford the vision and hearing care they need. Naperville Noon Lions also provide diabetic test strips for schools in Districts 203 and 204, contribute to local organizations, and provide services to Napervillians in need. The Naperville Noon Lion’s Turkey Trot, held since 1998, is one of its most wellknown events. Interested in more Lion’s Club membership information? Log onto https:// napervillenoonlions.org/.

Dawn Klavon works as a freelance writer, traveling the globe with her husband and writing from any coffee shop, hotel lobby, or boulangerie where she feels inspired. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University and a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard University, she is uniquely qualified to craft feature stories on compelling people, trendy foods, and fascinating lifestyles. Dawn authored a book during her first year in grad school, along with her professor and classmates, called “Journalism Today -- Profiles in Passion and Diversity.”