DuPagePads

Illinois' DuPagePads is on a mission to end homelessness in DuPage County. The nonprofit organization will soon be celebrating a bittersweet 30th anniversary-described as such, by Vice President of Development Janelle Barcelona, because homelessness still exists. The nonprofit organization seeks to end homelessness not only by providing temporary shelter and food, but also by working with each and every individual in need to secure both interim and eventually permanent housing. Family outreach services, medical respite care, career/employment assistance, referrals to substance abuse and mental health services, and other support services are provided to help stop the cycle of homelessness. The organization operates under the conviction that when someone believes in you, everything can change. Last year, DuPagePads provided services to change the lives of 1,360 individuals, including 241 children in 144 families.

Every year, DuPagePads hosts its "Taste of Hope" event, which is the organization's largest fundraiser. This gala offers guests the opportunity to taste signature dishes, paired with wine, from 25 of the area's most elite restaurants. There is also a silent and live auction, music, an open bar and more-everything is donated. This year's event brought in more than 220,000 dollars. DuPagePads received a one by oner from promotional products retailer 4imprintr. They used the grant to purchase aprons as gifts for the chefs. "It's very important to us to thank our chefs," said Special Events Coordinator Kariann Lazansky. "We're so thankful to 4imprint for donating this gift that allows us to show our gratitude. It's really great that they see the value in our mission and what we do in the community."

For more information about DuPagePads, please visit http://dupagepads.org/ opens in new window