Good morning.

I'd like to call the SECA Commission meeting of Saturday, November 15th, 2025, to order at 9 a.m.

May I have a roll call, please?

Broadhead.

Here.

Gadden.

Kuhn.

Myers.

Prasad.

Sacaria.

So here.

Sayed.

Zards.

Student repamato.

Student repnagium.

We do have a quorum.

Thank you.

I would also like to introduce our city staff members.

We have Jake Fiedler, who is the special events coordinator and staff liaison to the commission.

Miranda Barfus, community grants manager, and Melanie Marcordis, Director of Community Services.

Our next order of business is public forum.

As we start the public forum, I'd like to remind everyone of the citizen participation rules in the city's municipal code for speaking at meetings.

Speakers will be called on to speak in the order they signed up on the sign-up sheet.

And this is not for not for applicants.

This is for people who are not applicants but are here to have something to say.

Each speaker will have three minutes to make their comments.

Speakers are asked to present their comments in a respectful and courteous manner.

Speakers should stay on topic and be cognizant of their words.

Personal attacks on board members, staff, or other speakers, or members of the audience are not allowed.

If inappropriate language or comments are expressed during this meeting, you will be asked to stop commenting immediately.

Also, for audience members, there is no cheering and no jeering.

Actions such as applauding, cheering, or booing during or at the conclusion of any remarks made by any speaker are not allowed.

And if we could please call the first speaker.

But I have been a resident of 32 years in Napravo, but I grew up in the area.

I was lived nearby.

My kids were raised in the area, and we all had the benefit of the amazing public art and the cultural events in this community.

Particularly and selfishly, I want to thank the committee last year for funding our shared home mural, which is right over there on the Naperville Township building.

We did get funds last year.

Our shared home mural was a community-inspired, community-driven, community created, and community-implemented project.

Multiple cultures were represented in the creation of that art.

And now we can all celebrate that art.

It was an amazing opportunity for us to use that same, the funds you gave us, which created the frame and the mural affixed to it, to now in the future change out the mural and use the existing frame with your previous thing used money and put different murals on that.

So I thank you for that amazing opportunity.

I commend these groups who put these programs on for free because of the funding, open to all, and they encourage sharing and learning of multiple cultures so we can learn and and that's a pivotal for this community.

I I want to stand in particular acknowledgement of the day of the dead um celebration that I understood nothing about.

I didn't understand why we're celebrating dead people, but that was well attended, completely apolitical, family-oriented, respectful presentation was very educational.

Those are the types of events that enrich this community, well spending our community resources.

The more we I feel, and I think many people agree with me.

The more we learn about others who don't look like us and pray like us and drive dress like us and speak like us, the more we recognize how similar we are.

Um the more we can embrace our shared humanity.

That's a good use of public funds.

So I think this you guys for doing great work, please keep up the good work.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please.

Next speaker is Sharon Gurell.

Oh, there it is.

Okay, I'm on now.

Great.

Yeah, thank you for giving me a couple of minutes.

Um just to come and ask some questions and to get some clarifications and just maybe some food for thought.

I I'm been a Naperville resident for close to 30 years.

Um become more than that there's some questions around the transparency and so forth.

Excuse me, Sharon.

You for some reason your your mic keeps cutting off.

Is there Jake?

Do you know what's going on?

No, it's interesting.

Oh is this better?

No.

How about this one?

No.

Thank you.

Okay.

Um so my question is more about process and criteria.

Um, and just doing like a little bit of research, two things, public entities, you know, tax um paying or tax receiving organizations, and then religious organizations and events and that type of focus are uh don't qualify for the SIK of funding.

However, there's a few applicants on the list that either A are a public entity, you know.

First I saw the Naperville Police Department, and I want to make sure our Naperville Police Department is funded, and I want to make sure that they have what they need, the equipment they need to do their service for us to protect us.

Um, however, how does the Naperville Police Department fall into the qualification criteria if they are an entity that is receiving tax dollars?

So that's um one of my questions.

And then secondly, there's several applicants on the list that are affiliated or the events themselves have religious connotations to them.

Um 23 near neurithas and geet that has um elements of baratanayam, and I'm sorry, I'm not pronouncing that correctly, but it conveys religious themes and emotions, it implements the Margan sequence that um guides the dancer through a spiritual journey, it portrays Lord Shia of Natahara, a cosmic dancer, the the destroyer of evil, and is part of the Hindu religion.

So that I mean that's one example, and I'm sure the event is fine and it's nice and all of that, but because it has religious distinctions, does it rise to the level of qualification for Sika?

Um there's Anu Graha, uh Mandala, um, their event for the stud the story of Ram.

Um it's the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

So again, that would be a really nice event, but how does that make it onto this list?

The list is officially guided by staff, I think.

Um I I guess I'm trying to understand the process because if events like this qualify, then I'm not understanding what the religious criteria is that actual procedure and policy manual of Sika.

So I do think a deeper dive into what these actually mean and what qualifies and disqualifies.

Like, is there a scoring system?

Like in that's typically meeting grant programs that if you fall in a certain score.

I think I think your time is time is up.

Okay, so um, I'm not sure I'll be able to um answer all of your questions, but uh if you want to stay there, that's that's okay.

Um, but you certainly don't you don't have to.

That's okay.

Um police department are in fact eligible, and um I think we could probably get our you know a legal opinion on on why that is the case, but there are many times in which a um city of Naperville entity uh gets some Sika funding.

Um it comes to religious events.

Uh it's a very interesting question because I think, and this is just me because religion is so tied in to culture.

But for instance, the thing that you're describing, I don't think is any more religious than, for instance, if somebody put on a performance of uh I don't know, Jesus Christ Superstar, which has a religious theme or God spell, but is not a religious celebration, it is not um a session of worship.

Okay, so that I think I think um uh having some kind of religious content as part of the culture has not been disqualifying.

Um there certainly are uh times when you know there is is some kind of religious content but not um religious worship or religious uh prostertizing.

So I don't that probably probably gonna need an answer from um our legal department to make that more clear, but um anyway, that would be my response.

Thank you.

I know my time is up, but um, can I reach out and ask more questions?

No, be the appropriate person.

Uh you can certainly do that on your own time.

Um yeah, of course you can.

Sure.

I understand we have no more public speakers.

That's correct.

Okay, thank you.

So we will um and I'm sure we'll um I mean, those are interesting questions, and I I think we can get some uh answers to those.

We will now move on to old business, and the first item of old business is to formally welcome our new SECA commissioner, Linda Kuhn.

Linda was appointed to the Sika Commission at the September 16th, 2025 City Council meeting.

Welcome, Linda.

We're so happy you were able to come to the first meeting because it's a it's a biggie.

Our next item is to approve the SECA commission uh meeting minutes of October 15th, 2025.

Has everyone had a chance to review those minutes of our last meeting.

Any questions, comments, or revisions?

If not, I will entertain a motion to approve the Sika Commission minute meeting minutes of October 15th, 2025.

If you push your button on the right.

I'll post it.

Okay, do we have a second?

I second.

Okay.

We have a uh we have a motion and a second.

Okay.

Um in favor.

Aye.

Any opposed?

The motion carries.

The minutes are approved.

Moving on to new business.

Our next item is to receive public comment um the calendar year 26 SECA grant fund applications.

We've received 86 applications for Sika funding this year, an increase from 84 applications last year.

Applications were due on October 3rd.

Commissioners received the applications and have been reviewing them since October 8th.

Questions that commissioners had for applicants in advance of this meeting were forwarded to individual applicants for a response.

Thank you to everyone who responded.

Your answers were compiled and provided to the commissioners.

At this time, each applicant who has signed up to speak will be called to the podium and given three minutes to speak on their calendar year 26 SECA request.

Applicants with more than one application will receive three minutes for each application.

This meeting is being recorded and broadcast, so please speak clearly and directly into the microphone when it is your turn to speak.

We have a handy countdown clock here so you'll know when your time is ending.

At the end of your three minutes, the commission may ask questions.

Those responses will not be timed.

If there are no questions, we will move on to the next speaker.

And I'm gonna ask commissioners.

If you have a short or a relatively short question for an applicant, I would say ask it when that applicant at the end of that applicant's uh minutes.

But if you have a sort of a broader, more complicated question, one that might involve multiple applicants or you know, is a more general question.

Why don't we save those until the end just to keep things moving along?

Um it's important to note that the commission will not be determining any funding recommendations or allocations at this meeting.

After this meeting, each commissioner will continue to review the applications on our own.

The first time we will discuss allocations as a group will be at the next SECA commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 11th at 6 p.m.

Unless there are any questions or comments from commissioners before we begin.

I will turn it over to Miranda to call the first speaker.

Any any questions from commissioners before we start?

Thank you.

Miranda, if you would please call the first speaker.

And Jake, I sure hope that Mike behaves.

Yes, the first speaker is Ren Page and Kim Richter from the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra, followed by Michael Gold from Art Forum.

Yeah, and I would suggest, Mr.

Myers just suggested this to me that you have the microphone pretty close to your mouth when you're when you're speaking.

But Jake is the person who checked all the here he comes now, so I think he's going to help us out.

What's the name of the group that's up there now?

Oh, and commissioners, this is application number 22 for the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Yeah.

So when they come up, if you could tell us the number on our on our sheet of 86 applicants.

Hello, my name is Kimberly Richter.

I really don't need a mic.

I am the artistic director for the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra, and students are used to me yelling on a weekly basis, so I'm sure you can all hear me.

This is our 10th year, and we're so happy to be here, and we're also grateful for the continued support that we have had from this uh Sika Foundation and your esteemed committee.

I could talk.

You've heard me talk, but I thought it would be better on this 10th year anniversary to have you here from one of our students.

So I'm going to turn the mic over to Ren Page.

Ren is our principal cellis with the Neighborville Youth Symphony Orchestra and our Encore Orchestra, and she's also a composer.

Everybody, Ren Page.

Hello, my name is Ren Page, and I'm here representing the Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra.

I play the cello, and this is my eighth year in NISO.

I want to say thank you for supporting our orchestra and tell you a little bit about how your support has made a huge difference in my musical experience.

Your support of my youth symphony means that I have a safe place to play, amazing music, be challenged and improve my musicality, learn from terrific musicians, and make lifelong friends who share my love of music.

My director, my directors, including Mrs.

Richter, are my mentors, and they teach me about music, but also helping me learn to be a better leader and a good community member.

I'm more confident in all aspects of life, and I believe that the opportunities in NISO have helped me develop the skills I need as I think about pursuing music in college.

I'm a cellist, but I'm also a composer.

Last year the orchestra premiered my first symphonic work.

How many 16-year-olds can say that they've had their symphony performed?

My years of playing symphonic works with Mrs.

Richter and others helped me develop the skills and ideas that I use in my symphonic work.

It was amazing to have NISO friends and learn my music and perform Valley of the Ancients last February.

Your support of NISO helped to make this dream come true.

Let me tell let me tell you just a little more about NISO.

This is our 10th anniversary year and our fifth as an independent 501 C3.

We rehearse in the Naperville Community Concert Center and concertize in Wentz Hall.

We have 163 musicians and two full symphonic orchestras, ranging in age from fifth to twelfth grade.

We also have a robust chamber program, including a flute choir, a brass choir, and other small chamber groups.

Five percent of our musicians are on financial assistance, and we never turn away a musician who wants to participate.

We are requesting funding assistance for our season called Memories, in which we celebrate the alumni and the history of our organization, and by performing musician favorites and inviting our alumni to join with us in the performances.

Our musicians represent 25 suburbs and numerous school districts.

We are proud of our community, the music and the leaders who graduate from our program.

Thank you very much.

Do you have any questions for us?

Doesn't look like there are any questions, so thank you.

The next speaker is Michael Gold from Art Forum.

That is applications number three, four, and thirty-six.

And then the speaker after Michael Gold is Lily Berciaga, Diana Torres Hawkins from Almas.

You need me to go through those.

You could you could just roll as you need to.

Okay.

Yeah, I don't care.

Yeah, they can find your own.

All right.

Good morning.

Good morning, everyone.

Uh, my name is Michael Gold.

This is Erin Franchick.

We're here from Art Forum.

Uh, I'm gonna be doing the speaking.

She's here to make sure I don't say anything stupid.

So good luck.

Uh Art Forum, Naperville Partnership for the Public Arts was established in October of 2024 to celebrate visual and self-expressive art forms that enhance challenge and uplift the community.

Uh, we're here to discuss the three proposals and to save you guys some time.

I'm doing this all at once uh that we're putting in for 2026.

Our first one.

Good luck.

There we go.

Um, our first one is uh we hope to continue our partnership with SECA through our revivaling mural project at 222 South Main Street.

The 23 by 13 foot mural printed on a protective vinyl surface will be replaced annually to spark anticipation and community engagement.

A call for entries will be open in late of spring of 2026, emphasizing artistic excellence, inclusivity, and local relevance.

Uh, this project will continue to serve as a vibrant and evolving focal point that celebrates Naperville's creative spirit and supports Sika's mission of accessible public art.

The second project is called Light Anemies.

It's a large-scale public artwork by German artist Malta Kebel, proposed for the Riverwalk paddle book paddle boat quarry from mid-October through early November 2026.

The installation will feature three to six kinetic light sculptures that shift in color and motion, transforming the riverwalk into a luminous evening destination.

Through a mobile app, visitors will be able to influence the sculpture's light and movement, turning observation into participation.

Light enemies blends art, technology, and community to reinforce Naperville's identity as a center for creativity and connection.

The third project, whoops, third project is called Installation Alley.

Uh we wish to convert the alley between Nike and Sweet Green in downtown Naperville on Main Street into a permanent walkable art corridor.

A discrete overhead wiring system will support rotating seasonal installations, creating an immersive, ever-changing experience.

Led by Freightwood Event Production Company and with the support of property owner Steve Rubin, the project proposal covers the infrastructure and first years programming.

But once built, the space will be sustained through sponsorships and artist participation and partnerships.

Sorry.

Installation Alley will serve as a free ADA accessible living gallery that transforms an underused space into a lasting platform for creativity in the heart of Naperville.

On behalf of Art Forum, I sincerely thank you for your time and continued support.

Thank you.

Are there any questions?

We do as far as uh your application number three.

I think I was gonna say I'm just one of it's Mr.

Gannon speaking.

Okay, thank you.

Um as we read, it all depends upon city approval of turning the alleyway into a pedway.

And even in your write-up that's dependent upon that, have you proceeded to get that approval?

We are in the works right now with the city.

Uh we need to do a traffic study.

Um there are there are two levels to this.

There one, it isn't dependent on the alley becoming a pedway.

It's being designed that traffic can still move through it if that doesn't happen.

We would love it to become a pedway where people can move through it on their own and not have any traffic.

I I I thought for sure you said that it was dependent.

The application said it was dependent upon approval.

It is not.

Correct?

It's not dependent.

There you go.

Okay.

The height of it is uh my name's Aaron Franchek, in case I need to state that.

Uh the height of it is such that you need to get close to that mic.

Uh the height of it is such that a fire truck can go under it.

So that has all been checked out ahead of time.

But that does require somebody from the fire department or a city inspector to come out and verify that.

Is that correct?

Yes, absolutely.

So I suppose to your question, that there is an element of it that is dependent on the city, which we are working with right now to get all of those ducks in a row.

But if for some reason it is not deemed usable as a pedway, we can still do this project and not have it be dependent on that portion.

So many of these, as you can see, are really low profile.

They aren't hanging or dangling or impeding uh a vehicle's ability to navigate that space.

Um, so that's been considered, and that is something that you know shouldn't be impacted by it being a pedway or not.

I hope you realize that I am supportive of what you're trying to do here, but we have to have some concern about that because we'd be allocating money to your organization, and if it doesn't happen, that money doesn't get to be used by any other organization.

It goes back into the city's treasury.

Absolutely.

Yeah, we understand that.

Okay.

Um there's also a question from Mr.

Question from Mr.

Myers.

Uh at the uh last SIGA meeting in October, there I thought was a presentation about the alley.

And I'm trying to understand what the difference is between the two uh presentations and is that inclusive of this presentation, or was that separate?

I'm gonna just clarify the confusion.

Sure.

Things uh shifted.

There was a presentation on doing an installation, and that has uh I think the intention is still the same, and that is to create this space where things can kind of grow from.

Um so the one of the um we shifted one of our projects that was the spring renewal project has become the music box.

So that is now going in between Sephora and uh Apple store.

So that will be coming up.

Um the unveiling for that is December 4th.

So we pivoted and we you utilize those funds and are doing that.

So that will be unveiled on the fourth.

Um and so this is the initial idea for this project was to create an infrastructure from which public art can grow year after year.

So this structure, uh, while it will engineering-wise, need to be kind of checked out, uh, made sure that it's viable each time we renew and do an installation.

This is uh, like we're saying that we want to basically give back this money to the public by being able to view installations for years to come in this location.

So all of these examples that you see up on the screen are global examples.

I believe there's some from Portugal, there's some from Spain, they're all over the world.

And so we think that this would be a really really nice addition to this alley, which already has the parade mural.

Um, so we're adding to that rather than detracting from it.

Okay, um, Ms.

Prasad.

My question actually was about the mural.

I know it stays there.

Um what I understand there'll be anchors at either side that'll hold the installation.

What will that do to the to the mural?

How does it affect it?

What kind of mitigations are you taking to make sure that doesn't get damaged?

It doesn't affect the murals at all.

At all.

So the anchors will just very high up.

We have a couple more questions.

Um, Mr.

Zards.

Do you have an uh ETA from the city to get an answer if this is gonna be a viable project?

That is a good question.

We'll find out.

Yeah, I would really press on that because at least for my opinion, we come across a lot of projects that are excuse me.

Arthur, could you repeat that?

I think some people didn't get that.

Yeah, but well, I'm asking if they had an estimated date of when the city might have an answer.

Uh, because we come across a lot of projects that have, well, if this happens, the project will happen.

And like Mr.

Gannon said, uh, we can't just keep allocating money, and then people say, sorry, it didn't happen, and that money goes away.

That's taking money away from another artist or another uh community.

So just want to press upon the the urgency of that.

Absolutely.

And we and we feel the urgency.

We've had meetings already, and you know, we can only have them move as quickly as they move.

So Ms.

So you have a question.

Um I have a question on uh I have 36 budget picture mic not oh sorry.

Yes, I have a question on 36 about the light, and it's a lot of money, 91,000.

Have you thought about do you have any plan to get sponsorship or donation from other organization if you don't get the full amount?

Yes.

And to clarify, that amount is if we did everything that's part of their proposal.

It can get scaled back.

There's lots of elements to it that if we didn't use it, you can scale that back.

I think it's all the way down to like 50 something.

Um, but yes, we are currently in the uh miss of putting together our sponsorship packages that we can go out and get extra money.

I mean, that is our intention is never to keep coming and taking it's we need to be supported by the community from businesses from you know other entities.

So yes.

Uh did I even answer your question?

No, yes.

I I agree it's a lot of money, and yes, if if we do not get the funding uh in full, we are going to go out and find money to help support it.

Okay.

One of the line items that is in the spreadsheet is for shipping, and I will say that that is right now, I believe $18,000 allocated strictly to shipping, and that was a very, very padded amount.

Um, and that I wanted to put in a worst case scenario for that.

Um, but that's an example of where it's you know, I I I think we put in like the worst case scenario, um, but I feel like it could get peeled back.

So the project will still go forward, even if you don't get out get allocated the full.

Yes, we're gonna do our best because it's really amazing.

It's uh it's an installation that is um global, so we basically would be borrowing it from a company um in Canada.

They curate global artistic public art projects.

So this Naperville would be one of the cities that is hosting this project.

Um it's by a German artist, and um not only it's beautiful at night, but it's also reflective during the day.

And one of the things that we love about this piece is that at a point in the season where uh the paddle boat quarry closes down and doesn't see a lot of activity and people visiting, this will hopefully bring people to this area to experience this and have ideas and thoughts about this place in this time of year, basically right now, next year.

Um so we're excited about it.

We'll do our best to raise funds outside of SECA because you know that's what we that's our intention.

It's not to keep coming back to you guys.

Great, thank you.

Um Mr.

Gannon.

Just a quick comment.

Uh part of uh your application number three, it seems like you're asking us for some funding to put in something of a set aside, uh, I think it's um to cover future expenses.

Um this is just a comment.

I I just wish that when you you had had something lined up for it, you know, because you're something in the future.

I understand that.

I understand that.

Um, and we actually do have a couple of one of the things that Art Forum is doing is we are encouraging community members to come to our site and give us their ideas, and we have received two of those.

One of those, um, and we did not make it a SECA application this year, but we are going out to other sources for funding.

But one of the um, I can't really talk about it, but we do have a community um submission for a project that could very well live in that alley space, and it's one person.

So at that point, you know, we would say, okay, we probably need a hundred people to come and participate, but it's such a thing, I I guess I don't know why I don't think I could say it.

It's a crochet project.

So if we could invite 100 community members to create a quilt, if you will, of our community, and we would put that there.

So 10,000 is our best estimate.

Like what would it cost us to acquire the tools um to do all that, do the labor to hang it?

So that's where that's it's just a matter that we always ask for budgets.

Yep.

And here we don't have a budget.

Yeah, I understand.

Thank you.

And um Miranda or Jake, perhaps you could answer this.

Um, I think the way SECA is structured right now, we can't do set asides, can't plan something for a future year.

That's correct.

The money doesn't carry over from one year to the other.

So that I think that's kind of moot.

Well, then that's something I think we need to discuss.

Yeah, I think that's always been always been the case.

Yeah, strictly um, you know, the calendar year.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Lily Berciaga and Diana Torres Hawkins from Almas.

This is application number 54, followed by Shannon Green Rob with downtown Naperville.

Applications, well, I'll read them when they when it's your turn.

You can have play when you're ready, okay.

And we're here to share the impact of our annual event, the Aden Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrating community and life, and to request your continued partnership for 2026.

The Aden Muertos is a vibrant celebration rooted in indigenous traditions that honor the cyclical nature of life and death.

Over time, it has evolved into the colorful, deeply symbolic tradition we know today.

At Almas, we honor both its indigenous origins and its evolution, creating a space where a whole community can connect through the universal experience of love, loss, and remembrance.

Thanks to Sika's support, we offer free, inclusive, family-friendly arts experiences that directly align with Sika's mission, including a large community altar and a symbolic gravesite where families and individuals can place their own ofrendas.

Where community members dedicate monarch butterflies to loved ones?

A reflections of life's slideshow created through submitted photos that honor family, friends, and ancestors.

Cultural workshops, hands-on activities, and face painting for the community, local food vendors, artisans, and community-serving organizations that bring authenticity and connection.

And a full array of performers who honor our cultural roots through dance, music, and storytelling.

On November 1st, we welcomed more than 2,000 attendees to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.

Families, students, artists, and visitors from throughout Chicagoland.

This regional draw directly supports SECA's goal of promoting tourism and contributing to Naperville's economic vitality.

Community feedback was extraordinary.

Attendees told us this was the best cultural festival which attended in Naperville.

We were blown away by the creativity, education, and performances.

I'm afraid that time is up.

Are there any questions?

Any questions for the presenters?

I don't think so, so thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Shannon Green Rob with Downtown Naperville Alliance, applications number seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, fifty-six, and fifty-seven.

Followed by Shivan Vishwanathon with Ayana.

I'm Shannon Green Rob.

I'm Katie Wood with Downtown Naperville Alliance couldn't be here today, so I'm here.

Last summer we launched River Sounds, a multi-week series that brought live music to one of Naperville's most beautiful spaces, the River Walk.

The goal was simple.

Performances that connected people, supported musicians, and offered creative energy downtown.

Each week featured performances in two spots, the JC's Wi-Fi park and along the riverwalk, where musicians played from a small boat.

It quickly became a community favorite.

We saw tweens eating ice cream along the river bank, couples on date nights, and seniors who didn't miss a single week.

A true mix of generations coming together through music.

We featured Chicago professionals alongside local talent from young Neighborville singers, North Central College, and Belcanto Music Academy, and even hosted a cultural evening with local Asian musicians.

The feedback was clear.

People want more creative, accessible ways to experience the art in our shared spaces.

Then enthusiasm inspired Park After Dark, a new series at the Naperville Community Center, also known as the Band Shall that blends art, film, and music under the stars.

We've already spoken to the city and the park district and will schedule around the Naperville municipal bands concert to complement, not compete with their tradition.

The band shell is beautiful, but smaller groups can get lost both visually and acoustically.

So we'd bring in our own lighting sound and a temporary scrim or scrim or screen to create a more intimate atmosphere.

One can also serve as a uh film surface for visual storytelling.

Instead of a single event, we envision a short run of consecutive evenings, a chance to refine the setup, build audience momentum, and make this series more viable.

Keeping the equipment in place also reduces costs and creates a smoother experience for everyone.

Ultimately, Park After Dark builds on what river sounds began.

Connecting people through shared experiences and bringing art to life in downtown Naperville.

It's about reimagining how we gather, celebrate creativity, and see our city in a new light.

Thank you for your support.

Thank you.

Are there any questions?

Looks as though there aren't.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Shivan Vishidwathan with Ayana, followed by Ernie Slopik and Chris Yell from Lizzie's Fund.

And what numbers are those?

The um IANA application is number 53.

Okay, it's okay.

Good morning.

Um thank you for giving this opportunity for us to present our um Asian Heritage Fest 2026 uh high level plan.

Um brief introduction about Ayana.

We uh started this organization in 2022, um, immediately after COVID, and we saw that uh most of the uh um events that happen and most of the communities that kind of siloed.

We wanted to bring them together, and we wanted to ensure that people understand each other.

There are a lot of hate crimes going on during that time, and we wanted to bring all these uh different communities together uh to get them to know each other.

And that was the main reason we started, and then um in 2023, we uh registered and uh started this uh event called Asian Pacific American Uh Heritage Month in honor of that.

We call it uh Asian Heritage Fest.

Um this year we are planning to do this um on May 2nd, 2026.

And our goal is Asian American engagement in Naperville's civic and cultural life.

Our mission is to promote awareness and inclusivity and active participation from all the different organizations and uh groups.

So uh Aina organizes many different events.

Um of the main event is Asian Heritage Fest.

We also um organize career expo, Naperville routes and routes, mental head workshop for students, uh Hindi Devos.

It's a speech competition, but we do all those events on our own.

Um, Asian Heritage Fest is much bigger, needs much more effort and uh resources, so we come to Sika uh for the help.

We also uh work with many other organizations, nonprofit organizations with FIA for free medical camp, UPA for different cultural festivals, cow for neighborhood candidate forum.

We do that whenever there is an election to encourage people to come and vote and to make informed decisions.

And last year we had something like 3,000 plus food and uh money to go with that.

And we also uh celebrate international yogati.

Coming to our event, it's a multi-Asian cultural showcase.

So we invite different schools, different groups, different organizations to come and participate.

Um this is the third year, it has been very successful and it is growing every year.

Um it's a nonstop performance from 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

We have dances, Asian drums and musical instruments and traditional fashion shows from different countries of Asia.

Uh speciality food stalls offering diverse uh Asian cuisines.

We have free food sample, and it's also available for purchase.

Uh let me quickly take you through some pictures before I run out of time.

Um this is a proclamation to the production.

Speaker's time is up.

If you have any questions, thank you.

Any questions?

Uh there are no questions, so thank you very much.

The next speaker is Bernie Slupeck and Chris Yell from Lizzie's Fund, followed by Kalyan Kumarin with Narethra Sangeet.

And what numbers Lizzie's fund?

Lizzie's fund is number 41.

Good morning.

Thank you for inviting us to participate.

Um I am Bernie Slupik.

I'm the executive director of Lizzie's Fund.

We were established in 2012, and we um were formally organized as a not-for-profit here in Naperville in 2016.

Um Chris Yell here is the executive director of Adopt Pet Shelter, who's been in Naperville since 1989.

Um we have a shared mission together.

Um Lizzie's Fund was created to bring comfort, care, and compassion to senior dogs age seven and older.

Um these dogs find themselves in shelters and rescues through no fault of their own, and they need financial assistance to get healthy, whether that's medical, surgical, dental, alternative medical care, whatever it is, but we want them to get um healthy and be able to be adopted.

And in special cases, the fund also provides hospice care under the name of Lizzie's care to dogs that can't be adopted.

Adopt Pat Chattel shares that same belief that every pet deserves love, healing, and a second chance.

As a trusted Naperville-based organization, Adopt offers adoption services, affordable veterinary care, and compassion training programs that strengthen the bond between pets and their people.

So we have a long history of collaboration, our two um organizations.

For over eight years, we have met quarterly to review the senior dogs that have run through the shelter.

Um we want to make sure that each dog gets the highest level of medical care, and we've eased the financial burden on adopt pet shelter by paying for all the senior dog expenses.

Um to date, our partnership has given over hundreds of senior dogs renewed health, comfort, and the gift of a forever home.

So now we have a new endeavor, which is why we're here.

Adapt recently opened a new standalone community spay neuter and wellness clinic adjacent to their shelter.

Originally established to provide spay neuter services.

Um they now have expanded to provide more services to the public.

And we are now able to prove to reach more of the public, um, not just shelters and rescues, but military veterans, seniors, and low-income families.

For veterans, companion animals often provide a lifeline, offering comfort and stability and unconditional love to those um coping with post-traumatic um stress uh for seniors.

Uh this is a lifeline, their pets are a lifeline, and for low-income families, it's the same.

You don't want someone to have to surrender their dog because they can't afford it.

Yeah.

Um, questions.

Yeah, Judy, I have a question.

Yeah, maybe how does this fit into our SICA mission?

This is this is an application.

So if you could tell us how what kind of cultural event are you planning?

This is not a cultural event.

This is a special event.

This is a special event that we are going to reach out to the underserved communities, people within the community, the veterans, the seniors, the low-income families who are so in critical need of maintaining their animal for their stress, for their therapy, for their emotional support.

And it's a community service more than it is an event.

And we hope that through public awareness, through providing these services, that we plan on making a lot of events and education so that the clinic can be freestanding and self-supporting after two years, and certainly after the first year, it should be in pretty good shape.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Other questions?

Other questions from commissioners.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks.

The next speaker is Kalyan Kumarin with Narithrasange Heritage.

That application is number 23, followed by Chris Dyslin with uh Young Naperville Singers.

Okay.

All right.

Thank you.

Um good morning.

I'm representing Nitya Sangueet, which is an Indian classical uh dance and music school.

Um we have an application, an annual application uh for hosting an Indian dance event in the course of the year, and we call it Heritage, which is an acronym which stands for honoring and embracing rich Indian traditions and arts through global engagement.

Um goal is uh, as I said, to make this an annual event.

We had one last year and this year with our funding, we are hosting it on December 6th in uh Naperville.

It's it's a free event and open to all.

Um, there would be about 20 to 25 dancers who have been trained since the age of five.

They are young adults now, um, most of them are Naperville residents.

Um, they would be about between the ages of 25 to 30 who perform this Indian art form called Vardhanatyam and uh put together a two-hour or two and a half hour event.

And um of the things that your generosity in funding us, of course, uh we look for other sponsorships and Ritya Fangit bears uh tremendous amount of the cost too, is um it forces us to host it in Naperville and not look for another rental auditorium somewhere else in some other city.

And uh so it's been a pleasure for Naperville residents to come and uh watch this event.

I'll take any questions.

Any questions?

Uh there are no questions, so thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Chris Dyseland with the Young Naperville Singers.

That's application number 32, followed by Lynn Hodak and Michael Norcas with Theatre for Charity.

Good morning, SECA commissioners, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today on behalf of young Naperville singers.

My name is Chris Dislin, and I am the administrative director for YNS, which is in its 42nd year of providing excellence in music artistry to young people in Naperville and its surrounding communities.

YNS is so proud to be an integral part of the fabric of Naperville's arts community.

YNS is requesting funds from SECA to help us primarily with the cost of guest professional artists who perform with our singers in their concerts, including the Northside Brass Quintet for our winter 2026 performance.

Additionally, we will have a guest string ensemble and percussionists who specialize in culturally diverse music for a spring concert titled Oh the Places You'll Go.

Bringing these guest musicians into our Naperville performing arts spaces enhances the cultural richness of the city of Naperville.

A small portion of the YNS request for SECA funds would additionally help us to mount these concerts by supplementing the venue rental, marketing and production costs.

Our singers have experienced the thrill of bringing new music to life for our local audiences.

YNS has been able to commission brand new choral works from outstanding composers and then premiere those pieces at YNS concert performances.

Thanks to SECA, nearly 500 singers each year have been able to perform for Naperville residents in the finest performing arts city uh performing arts facilities that the city has to offer at Wentz Concert Hall and the Neka Valley High School Auditorium.

Each week, YNS brings singers from all over the region into downtown Neighborville for rehearsals.

Often we partner with local restaurants to encourage our families to stay and dine in the city.

And on concert days, hundreds of families come to Wentz Hall or Nico Valley High School, and they like to shop and dine near those facilities.

With over 400 families involved in the organization, we feel we exert a strong positive economic impact on this committee community.

Thank you for considering our grant request.

Okay, are there any questions from commissioners?

It looks as though there are not, so thank you very much.

The next speakers are Lynn Hodak and Michael Norcus with Theater for Charity, application number 49, followed by Addison Glick, Neighbor Settlement / Neighborville Heritage Society.

Yeah, just take the spacebar.

Okay.

Hello, and thank you so much for allowing us to present our SECA fund request.

I'm Lynn Hodak.

I'm the founder of Theatre for Charity, and I'm joined by my esteemed colleague, Michael Norcus, a board member and tall and amazing actor.

Theater for Charity is a community-driven 501c3 organization built on a simple but powerful mission theater for good.

Since 2022, we've created a space where performers, families, volunteers, and audiences come together to make an impact far beyond the stage.

Our productions aren't just musicals, they're vehicles for giving back.

Every show raffle and concession effort directly supports local nonprofits, extending our reach well into the community.

For us, it's not just putting on a good show, it's doing a show for good.

We are incredibly proud of what we've built in just a few years.

Over 2100 tickets have been sold, over 100 volunteers and performance performers have been involved, and over $9,000 have been donated to other 501c3 organizations.

The work has been powered by a passionate board of directors and a community that believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Our shows feature actors of all age and abilities, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Whether someone is a seasoned performer or stepping on stage for the first time, they become part of something meaningful.

Our partnerships strengthen our mission through collaboration with local nonprofits from Metropolitan Family Services to adopt Pet Shelter and our 2026 charity partner Youth Outlook.

We ensure that our impact is real, visible, and felt throughout the community.

These organizations don't just receive donations, they join our story, meeting audiences, sharing their mission, and connecting with our cast and volunteers.

We shine a bright light on these charities, giving them non-fiscal visibility.

As we grow, so does our vision.

We hope to expand our audience reach, increase our annual donation impact, and continue building a legacy of purposeful, inclusive theater that uplifts the communities.

But to sustain this momentum and to continue offering high quality productions while maximizing our maximizing our charitable contributions, we rely deeply on the generosity of individuals, families, and local businesses.

You can take our ask and organize it in two ways.

The first is the cost of covering venue, costume, props, rehearsal space, rehearsal tracks, everything that allows us to create and put on our 2026 production.

The second piece of that is a capital expenditure of about $15,000 that'll cover the cost of microphones.

We held a fundraiser last year that got us to about four microphones.

An additional 15 can cover another set of them, which will mean an annual expense and rental cost for us, which has been microphone rentals for the past several productions that we secure through these other groups won't be necessary anymore.

And that's going to cut down on our operational spend as we keep putting on productions.

Thank you so much.

Questions from commissioners?

I I have a question.

What uh what is your typical ticket cost?

We've been at about 20 to 25 dollars, depending on the production we've done.

Okay.

All right.

Um, and how many tickets do you typically sell?

In grand total, we've had 2,100 across the three most recent shows that we've done.

Um so we're getting averaging out over the productions.

We're looking at like 82 100 per every night of production we put on.

Okay, thank you very much.

Thank you.

I have a question.

Question from Ms.

Prasad.

Sorry, how do you uh report how much of the proceeds go to the charities?

From the ticket from your ticket um prices, um, the funds that you collect, how much of it goes to charity?

The vast majority of our donations have been from our concessions, our raffles.

That is driven the majority of our donations.

A lot of our ticket sales have ended up helping us just cover some of the operational cost of getting the the event set up in the first place.

It really has been that $9,000 is driven largely by the extra generosity of our our patrons, buying snacks, buying drinks, uh participating in some of the raffles that we've offered.

That's where a lot of that money's come from on top of it.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

The next speaker is Addison Glick with Naperville Heritage Society.

This is application 67, 68, 69, and 70.

Followed by Marvin Veloso with Mandala Arts.

And do I get three minutes per um?

Yes.

Okay.

Good morning.

My name's Addison Glick.

I'm the special event senior team leader, one for Naper Settlement, Naperville Heritage Society.

I want to thank the commission for giving up a Saturday and taking the time to meet with us to learn more about Naper Settlements event as well as all the other great events we have in the community.

Um today I'm gonna be speaking on Naporville Settlements for annual events, Naper Nights, Oktoberfest, All Hollows Eve, and Howling at the Moon.

Um I'm just gonna briefly describe the events for those of you who aren't familiar with them.

Uh Naper Nights is a community concert series that's designed for everybody with six distinctive musical musical genres each night, including classic rock, country, 80s, Motown, pop, funk, soul.

Um, when not working with national acts, tribute groups are brought in from around North America and represent the boss best possible tribute to their uh band or to their given artist.

Local music students from School of Rock get to play on the main stage each night as gates open up, giving them an incredible opportunity.

And we feature um a children's area to making the event family friendly and work with local restaurants uh each month.

Um, examples like Q Barbecue, Billy Bricks, Ben and Jerry's, Half Baked Goodness, and Guzman and Gomez.

Oktoberfest is a fall celebration that highlights German heritage in the community.

It's family friendly with the professional pumpkin carver, lawn games, we have polka music, country music, rock music.

Um, and it's like a traditional German Oktoberfest in that it happens under a giant heated tent, has a beer garden.

Um Hollows Eve is a f family friendly Halloween event that showcases local theater groups, uh, student musicians and eerie performances.

Um favorite features include a 15-foot werewolf and a 10-foot gargoyle made by local artist Paul Kuhn at 12 Limbs Art Studio.

Uh we also have an outdoor haunt um and black light painting by Pinot's Pallet uh in the dark art gallery.

We bring in puppeteers from Rhode Island to do an alien performance, and um we also had a headless horseman this year on site, which was a lot of fun.

So the event features over 20 different attractions, so too many to name.

Uh Howling at the Moon is a Halloween event for 21 plus attendees, and it features original rock bands, uh fire dancers, sword swallowers, and contortionists, um, acts of danger, and more.

Uh the event also showcases local restaurants in a food truck graveyard and has a very competitive costume contest that people enjoy.

Um today I'm gonna be talking to you about uh why we are requesting Sika support.

We are asking for Sika support only for uh to cover the cost of police officers, on-site paramedics, and other city services required by the city.

Uh the museum welcomes the these uh on-site security and guests feel safer knowing that the city ensures proper police coverage and making the event spaces safe.

Um that said, all of this comes with an ever increasing bill from the city.

The cost for city services at Naper Nights alone uh is over 40,000 and is more than double the cost that it was two years ago, which is really tough for budgeting purposes.

Um that said, uh, I do have good news.

Uh even though that is a high cost, we make sure that we spend your dollars to the best of our ability.

Um and I just want to talk about how far the dollars go that you'd be spending for us.

Um when you take the SECA request for Naperville Heritage Society and divide it by the number of attendees that we intend to serve at each event in 2026.

Uh this is how much you're spending per attendee to keep them safe.

At Naper Nights, it's $3.42.

Oktoberfest, it's $2.09.

All Hollows Eve, $1.46, and Howling at the Moon, it's $2.37 per attendee to keep them safe at the events.

And as an event coordinator and Naperville taxpayer, I believe spending less than $4 per attendee to keep them safe at a festival is a worthwhile investment.

I'm unsure of events whose request uh per ticket subsidy is larger than their own ticket admission price.

Um you may be asking yourself, what cultural amenities am I getting by supporting Naper Settlement?

In 2025, I'm proud to say Naper Settlement showcased uh the famous band War from Long Beach, California, who you may know from their hit songs, Low Rider, Why Can't We Be Friends, Cisco Kid.

Um we also brought in international touring band High Fade from Edinburgh, Scotland.

And we brought in nationally acclaimed keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth, uh member of the String Cheese Incident from Colorado.

Even the tribute concerts at Naper Nights are showcase artists and bands.

Uh you can see nowhere else in the area.

This year, the concert series brought in headlining bands from Portland, Seattle, Texas, South Carolina, and New York.

I asked what other venue or festival in Naperville is providing this level of cultural offerings with entertainment.

As a Naperville and passionate about music, it is sometimes hard to see festivals around the area that only feature the same regional cover bands over and over.

What Naper Settlement is offering is something much more than you can see any other weekend in the suburbs.

What we're offering is world-class entertainment, the level of musicians who play venues like Carnegie Hall, the Ryman Auditorium, and Red Rocks.

This is what we aim to provide at Naper Settlement every year.

When Neighbor Settlement is successful, the community is successful.

At each night of Naper Nights Oktoberfest and Howling at the Moon, we partner with the different local nonprofit and provide tips collected at the bar to their organizations.

These groups tend to raise anywhere between $500 to $1,000 to even up to $1,500 each evening.

This year we partnered with the Naperville Area Humane Society, Naperville Junior Women's Club, a live center, Naperville American Legion Post 43, DuPage Hispanic Alliance, Kyle Zulig Foundation, Naperville JC's, Almus, the Rotary Club of Naperville, Naperville Kowanis Club, and the J Weg Strong Foundation, each of these groups taking in around $1,000 per night, partnering with us.

I could talk hours about the numerous ways Napor Settlement promotes our community within our events, giving School of Rocks uh students a chance to shine on stage, partnering with local restaurants, showcasing local theater groups at All Hallows Eve.

The list just keeps going.

Every set everything said, these events would not attract nearly the same amount of people without Sika's support.

Many event costs, there's no way around, like paying for the stage or renting tents.

These costs, just as the cost of city services continue to rise.

Therefore, if Naper Settlement were to lose the support of Sika, the difference would be taken out of the available artist budget.

This would decrease our entertainment budgets significantly to the point where the events really wouldn't be the same or even recognizable.

I encourage the commission to look at the cost of city services required by the city versus the available artist budget that we have provided you in our budget breakdown.

This will hopefully put into picture the tremendous impact that SECA has for Naper Settlement's events.

Not wanting to take up any more of your time, I just want to thank the commission again, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Questions?

Mr.

Zards.

I always enjoy your presentations.

It's a master class of uh communicating what your mission's about and the impact of Naperville.

The question is have you guys had sit-down meetings with the chief of police and their groups about the rising costs?

I know that we just met as the city to talk about some new implementations in terms of safety and um what they want to bring out.

Um so those discussions do happen, yes.

But I I have been in contact with with the police and they're very open and they actually welcome conversations.

And this goes for any any group that has to deal with city services.

The the police department wants you to reach out to them and have discussions and sit down and talk about the costs, which is which is nice to hear.

Absolutely.

And we do provide uh the police with like an updated expected attendance prior to each event, so leading up to it so that way we can ensure proper coverage and staffing from them.

And we always welcome it.

We want it.

Um we're glad that the city is able to provide it.

I have a few questions.

Um remind me, you probably have said it.

How many Naper nights?

We do six a season.

You do six, okay.

And um uh could you remind me uh what kinds of privileges City of Naperville residents have at Naper Settlement?

Yeah, so city residents um are provided free access to Naper Settlement during our normal museum hours.

Um that's um you can bring your kids out to the splash pad, you can visit the the blacksmith, visit the mansion during our normal open hours.

That said, we um we do charge a ticket fee for our special events, um, but we do try and make it very um uh approachable and possible for families through a membership that um provides really steep discounts if you look into the membership program.

You can get in almost, I mean, you can get into all of our events for a very discounted rate.

Okay.

And um the events that you mentioned here, um all of them are ticketed.

That is correct.

And what is the range of ticket prices?

Uh it's around $25 per event.

Okay.

Even for the ones that are primarily for children.

That is correct.

Um, I believe it we haven't set our prices for 2026.

It could be 20 dollars for all Hollows Eve and 25 for the other events, or it might be 25 across the board.

Um, I don't want to commit to that because that's that would be a decision from leadership, but it probably around 25 for uh Naper Nights, Oktoberfest, and Howling at the Moon, 20 or 25 for all Hollows Eve.

Yeah, I I think you had an October, a daytime, uh a daytime Halloween event that was I think six dollars.

That is correct.

That's a trick-or-treat event.

So um we kind of piggyback some of our Halloween decor that we use for our other events, and then we do uh not only the family friendly and the adult Halloween events, but then on the Sunday after the adult one, we have had trick or treat, which is geared more towards like very littles and uh their parents coming out to uh trick-or-treat to all the different buildings we have at the settlement.

Yeah, I I I think a lot of people don't realize that uh City of Naperville residents can go during the day uh for free.

We definitely want everyone to know that.

Please come visit us.

This settlement is uh a special place for the community, and it's definitely more fun when people are visiting us and enjoying the property.

Okay, thank you.

Welcome.

Judy.

Um Mr.

Sayed has a question.

Happy to answer.

Yeah, how many people attend this event?

It's around 2,000 uh per night per event.

Uh the specific breakdown um is in our Sika application for the expected attendance.

Yeah.

Um, but it is around 2,000 per night for each uh event.

Night.

Okay.

Thank you.

Any other questions?

If not, thank you very much.

Thank you.

Okay, the next speaker is Marvin Veloso with Mandala Arts.

That is applications number 15 and 16, followed by Tom Higgins with Movember Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.

Good morning.

Um, I'm Marvin Veloso.

Um, I'm a visual artist and community organizer, and today I am speaking on behalf of Mandala Arts.

Um Mandala Arts is an inclusive community um arts nonprofit that focuses on South Asian um arts and cultural expression.

Um, and it's through visual art, um, community programming and performances that we try to generate discussions um around the changing demographics um in Naperville and the power of art to promote inclusive um dialogues.

Um in addition to the cross-cultural uh programming, our projects also um promote intergenerational dialogue um across lived experiences, and the two projects that we have um submitted uh include tapestries toward the future uh as well as the story of Rom.

Um I haven't I had a picture of here, but it doesn't seem to appear.

But basically, Stories of Rom was one should have the next slide, maybe it'll pop up.

Oh thank you.

So the story of Rom was based on a mythological figure.

Um it's similar to say uh a play around the Iliad or Homer, these Greek mythologies that are passed down to through generation.

Uh what we had tried to what we sort of put forth is a way to understand this story in a contemporary moment.

And so it was through collaborating with dancers and musicians, um, community.

We um we're able to ask questions around the role of history and mythology and how it plays a role in our present, how we might tell these stories otherwise.

Um and the next project Tapestries Toward the Future uh follows a similar idea around how we might tell stories in the present.

Um so this picture um was from a project that we had launched uh in the summer around a community mural, uh, and it brought together uh a diverse range of communities across uh gender, uh race, and uh lived experience.

And it brought together a diverse range of communities across gender, race, and lived experience.

And we hope to continue this with a collective tapestry.

And we want to think about how textiles and fashion have informed ways that we express culture.

Speaker's time is up.

Any questions from commissioners?

Yes, Mr.

Gannon.

With with regard to the tapestries, you're having participants do the work.

Is that correct?

Yes.

So we we hope to develop a workshop where we can uh organize sort of uh an idea of what this tapestry might look like.

Um so the uh on the screen is just a little moon board of different ways we might approach this.

Uh we can think about a large tapestry that depicts a landscape, might depict a specific object like a tree.

Um but we hope to have different stories told through tapestries and has more to do with how do you how do you find these people, how do you vet them, and how do you determine whether they're qualified to even do anything like this?

Um for the first question how do we find them?

Uh Mandala has established a good community um support uh through the library through Sika.

Um I had shared with you the image of a community mural that we had um uh brought in the summer, and I think you know Sika's support will allow us to continue this community dialogue and and uh fostering spaces for art making.

It's your intention though to to pay these people to compensate them for their work.

Um yes, I think because this is a sort of skill set, skills building workshop.

It involves um uh, you know, like participating uh through storytelling, bringing in uh materials that uh resonate with with someone's lived experience.

Um roughly how much time what's the time commitment for these people?

Um I'm unable to answer that that at the moment.

Uh however, I can get back to you.

Other questions?

Okay.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Tom Higgins with Movember, Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, application number 42, followed by Bill Simon with Naperville Preservation Inc.

Just I don't remember your okay.

Good morning.

My name's Tom Higgins.

I'll be presenting for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.

Um Mark and Sven are the local organizers for the ride.

They work under the auspices of uh distinguished gentleman's ride group, which is the outreach arm for a uh foundation called Movember.

And uh basically what we're doing here is the event, it's it's an event uh people sign up and um they bring their vintage motorcycles, they dress in period clothing, um, not everyone, of course.

And the idea is to raise uh awareness for uh prostate cancer research and mental men's mental health.

And I know probably no one in here's ever heard of the organization or the right, uh, but it is a real thing.

Uh it happens one day worldwide every year.

Uh next year it'll be uh Sunday, May 17th.

A thousand thirty-eight cities in a hundred and eight countries.

So this is a real thing.

Uh here in Naperville, uh, we've been growing.

We started in 2020 with 13 writers.

Um we got up to 62 last year.

These are the registered writers, not everybody attends.

Uh last year was our biggest event in terms of the people that actually showed up.

Uh and one of the things that's kind of interesting that we do is a lot of the rides, they start at a place, they drive, they make the ride, and then they stop and they disperse.

Sven and I both live downtown.

And Sven had the idea of well, let's try to have it end downtown and make it into an event.

So we're kind of talking about two different things.

We've got the the ride, and we've also got the event.

So Naperville Township's been wonderful.

They've been letting us use their parking lot, uh, but we've kind of outgrown it.

Uh just a quick stat.

Two-thirds of the people on the ride come from outside of Naperville.

And so what we're looking to do is to work with Deb Newman and close Water Street, expand the event, uh, get the river there uh to bring people from outside.

Uh it gives us some opportunities in terms of having November there uh with a booth and talking about prostate health, mental health.

Um, conceivably you could even get um you know people making appointments to local clinics.

Uh and then the other idea is to offer the the the restaurants the ability to have a booth outside, you know, offer free food, you know, as an enticement.

Um I guess that's it.

Um I thought I had a slight here.

I apologize.

I thought I had a slider that broke it down better, but apparently it's not there.

So basically what we're looking for is the police support for closing the streets, uh, and then the marketing breaks down into um I think it's 2700 for the river.

Yeah, thank you.

Okay, that's that's it.

Any questions?

Mr.

Sakaria has a question, Mr.

Sayed has a question, Mr.

Gannon has a question.

I have a question.

Okay.

Okay.

Hi.

Um so what what kind of local partnership do you have specifically for the hell?

Do you do like a health screening or something at the spot?

Or is just we have no local ship.

You know, the ride is a fundraising event that the money goes to Movember.

Um, you know, so it's a national worldwide effort.

I see.

So there's there's no local filtering down in into the community for that.

Okay, thanks.

But we again it we we would like the idea of you know, if we have the event, if we can block off the street and there's space, then um we could have Movember there, you know, talking about these things.

And one of the things, you know, we kicked around, you know, it's the chicken and the egg thing here.

We're we're really, you know, okay, let's go to the next one.

If you don't mind, let's go to the next question.

Yeah, Tom, thank you so much for the presentation.

It was wonderful.

And uh is it a family event?

And how many people attend this event?

Um, well, you know, you've you you've let's say we have 50 riders, um, you know, a lot of them, you know, have people on the back and all that.

Um we have what kind of gave us the idea is we do have a lot of people milling them around, you know, because it's Water Street, it's the river walk, and so it's a Saturday, so people are coming in.

And and so we're attracting people.

Um like this group here, none of these people were riders.

In fact, you see the one woman's got a baby, which we just noticed.

Um so yeah, you know, people do come from the outside as they're seeing it.

They see all these bikes and these people dressed up funny, and so you know, and we invite them to come in and talk.

So the idea is to do that on a broader scale.

Okay, so thank you so much.

Mr.

Gannon, no question.

Um I I have a question.

Um you're working with with Deb Newman, who of course knows the um downtown very well.

But uh very often the downtown merchants say along Water Street are um may not like the idea of the street being closed off.

So um have you had discussions with the downtown merchants along Water Street?

I have not personally the the comment that Sven made to me is he's talked to uh to Deb, and she and the adjective, she says she's intrigued by the idea.

Um, because again, we would hope to bring the the merchants in.

One of the things I I should say is we're hoping to be self-sufficient that you know, maybe if we get this seed money for proof of concept, and then you know, and the restaurants have their booths and and it works for them, maybe then in prior years or for or or or future years, we can say, hey, is it worth it for you to give us 500 bucks or defray expenses?

And how many hours would you think you need to uh close off Water Street?

Oh gosh, I am I think that's pretty flexible.

Well, give me a quickly give me a two to four two to four.

Oh, okay.

So just a couple of this would not be an all-day event.

Okay, oh no, yeah, I didn't think so.

I mean, yeah.

I mean, I think two I we could make it work with two two hours, but you know, okay.

We've we've got the river coming in with the hoping to draw people in, so we'd like it to be there for a while.

Okay, thank you.

Okay, thank you.

I have a question.

I'm sorry, you have one more question for Mr.

Myers.

Uh Tom, uh my you know, my understanding here is to raise um health for men.

Yeah, maybe men's health and we're approached like Endeavor or Dooley or any of those organizations that obviously practice uh for men's health to be uh sponsors and supporters of this event.

We're approached like Endeavor or Dooley or any of those organizations that obviously practice uh for men's health to be uh sponsors and supporters of this event.

Thank you.

Well, in the past, you know, the the end of the ride event, you know, was just a place for us to congregate and it was a kind of a closed thing, but we did have a lot of people, you know, interested in coming by and talking to us and looking at the bikes, and and we can't have any really more writers, we'd have to limit the writers at some point because we don't have enough space at the parking lot there.

So we're spitballing and saying, could we block off the street?

You know, could we we could we make this thing larger?

One of the things that immediately came to us is uh is again having November there, having a booth talking about men's health.

That would happen.

You're kind of thinking of the like the second and third step of it, which is exactly we've talked about that, but we haven't we don't have any we haven't done it yet because absent this money this isn't gonna happen.

So thank you.

I I think you're trying to get men to actually go to the doctor.

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

I would love to have a signing up people.

You're exactly right.

Yeah, exactly.

Thank you.

Down the road.

The next speaker is Bill Simon with Naperville Preservation Incorporated.

Their um application is number 44, followed by Kristen Benedict with uh Pank for Kim.

Just makes March.

Okay.

Good morning.

I'm Bill Simon, president of Naperville Preservation.

Thank you for having us here this morning.

So uh we are a 501c3 that is dedicated to being an independent voice for the preservation of historic buildings and other structures in Naperville.

But in that capacity, we really serve the people of Naperville, and there are three elements of our mission that relate to our request today, and that is uh safeguarding our historical places, educating the community, and uh celebrating successful preservation efforts.

So why do we do this?

I think most of us love our historical buildings in Naperville.

Obviously, downtown is a great place with many historical buildings.

We have our historic district, and we have other historical houses and buildings across the city.

And when it comes to Naperville's community character, which we all cherish, there's so many great things about Naperville.

Um it really comes down to community character, and there's a lot of verbiage on this.

I actually just copied it from uh uh from the University of Delaware.

But one of those uh elements of community character is cultural resources, and when it comes to culture cultural resources, one of the things that they talk about is the historic preservation is a way to maintain and retain culture uh cultural resources.

But specifically to why we are here today is we have a celebration that we are proposing for next year.

It's a three-part uh celebration.

It's called Preservation Celebration, and it is to celebrate our quote unquote built environment in Naperville.

So built environment is the stuff around us this that's built by people versus the natural the natural environment.

So the first part of our proposal is a series of presentations by different uh experts and speakers that folk will focus on different uh areas of historic preservation.

So obviously, one of the one of our resources that we have in the city is Naper's settlement.

So we would one of the speakers would be Naper Settlement.

Uh we have Brian Og, who is a local history uh expert.

Preservation futures.

They are a consultant that is currently working with us on a survey, architectural survey of homes built by Don Tosi, who is a mid-century uh builder here in Naperville who built a lot of very cool homes.

Place economics is about the economics of historic preservation, and we're really trying to get a few more uh a few more experts lined up, but we have uh a series of those.

The second part of our proposal is YouTube videos, and the third are series of walking tours in the historic district.

So the total cost is 26,400.

So we hope that you consider our application.

Thank you.

Questions from the commissioners?

Um the uh videos are going to be shown here in the municipal center.

Because I thought I I read that you had intended to show these at the municipal center.

And then the question really is have you discussed this with the city?

So we did not have an application that we would show the videos at the municipal center.

We could do that, but uh really it's uh YouTube is is the tool that we use to show the videos.

Any other questions?

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

It is exactly 10:30, and we are going to take a five-minute break.

Um Miranda, could you tell me how many more um speakers we have?

Um there are 22 remaining speakers.

22.

Thank you very much.

Oh, so I'm so sorry.

I was looking for my to see if I had some water.

Uh okay, Miranda, if you could um please invite the next speaker to the next speaker is Kristen Benedict with a pint for Kim.

That's application number 50, followed by Barb Brower with Turning Point Autism Foundation.

Hi, good morning.

Thank you for being here and letting us have a chance to speak.

Um, my name is Kristen Benedict.

I'm with the Pint for Kim.

And how it began, my sister had an eight-year battle with cancer and passed away in 2020.

And instead of a week, she asked to have a blood drive.

Over 500 people showed up, and it immediately became the largest one-day blood drive in the state of Illinois.

Um, so we've continued.

These are just some photos of um before she passed away, her and her boys, and that's the very first blood drive, which was held at Iron Gate Car Condos in Naperville.

Uh from there.

Um, well, actually, sorry, who we are.

Um, we're it's just myself and my friends' family, 100% volunteer, nobody gets paid.

Just a group of people trying to do good and honor Kim's wishes.

Um, we also now are at Naperville North High School.

That's our venue.

So we have about 200 student volunteers every year, so it's a really cool opportunity for students to get out and be involved in something.

Um we're primarily funded by a lot of small sponsorships.

Last year we're so grateful that Sika sponsored us because we're trying to grow, and so uh that helped a lot.

We don't do traditional advertising anymore.

We did in the beginning, but now we do things like sponsoring little leagues.

So you can see a pint for Kim on the back of jerseys.

I brought this um, this is from boosters, that's like the parking permit that they get has our logo on it, and then a save the date for our next blood drive.

So we're really looking to instead of giving ad dollars to um traditional funds, we do it by sponsoring charities and other things.

We just wanted Pint for Kim's name to be kind of known as like a group for good in New Provile.

Um those are some of the student volunteers and my late sister's uh husband and her boys and their friends.

That's our sponsorship.

So it's Europe there, and then um mostly through a lot of like $500 sponsorships is how we operate.

Um our current status, uh, we continue to be the largest single-day blood drive in Illinois.

Um we are gearing up though, we just joined with Red Cross.

We used to be with varsity to break the national record, currently owned by the NFL team, the Chargers.

So we're gonna do that in 2029 at our ten year mark.

Um, and these are just I think the pictures kind of speak for themselves.

We are a free event, and there's live music, bands, uh car show.

Um we invite any business or nonprofit in Naperville to come out for free and set up a tent.

All we ask is that they don't sell anything, they just give something fun away.

We just want it to be a day where families can come out, especially prices to attend things are getting so high.

So we just are committed to being like a day where people can come out, um, save lives together, and let me just try to get through the pictures.

I think they speak for themselves.

That is just a really fun family-oriented event um that provides a lot of volunteer opportunities and brings the community together.

And thank you for letting me speak about it.

Sorry, my voice is shaking.

Any questions?

Uh questions.

Um I'm impressed it's a Prezi.

Thanks.

As opposed to fly.

So a PowerPoint.

Your request is for I think 46,000, is that right?

Yes.

And that's for just for city services, correct?

No, so that's for like the hard costs of the event is getting bigger and bigger, so we have to rent multiple tents for the city.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Pardon me.

That's uh that's operations.

Yeah.

My mistake.

That's okay.

Okay.

Any questions?

Thank you.

Thank you, Billy Mickey.

The next speaker is Barb Brower with Turning Point Autism Foundation.

She's applications number 80 and 31, followed by Phil and Pam Spencer with Napor Boys.

Hello, I'm Barb, and uh thank you to the SECA commission today for your work and the opportunity to share our um our applications for the Naperville Pumpkin Race and the summer sculpture.

I'm gonna start with the summer sculpture.

Um this has been had an incredible impact on Turning Points Adult and Teen Hangouts with the guidance of an art therapist and the family specialists that we have at Turning Point participants with autism from the community come and join peers each month, and they build community teamwork, um, make new friends and express creativity through shared projects.

And this one is has was a really fun one for them.

Um they named this duck um Bill Riverton.

Um they enjoyed um making painting him so he looked like water and um did um mosaics with him.

The participants were thrilled when they got to um see him in the public, and um the experience was topped off that the sculpture was voted favorite duck and um this year's um application is really to grow this program.

Um this program has been um so fun and highlights um the in the community publicly um what turning point is doing with the hangouts for teen and adults who um are um in their schools but um want to hang out with others and we have this program and they're um enjoying all sorts of things and this is just one of them.

So thank you for your support in the summer sculpture in collaboration with downtown Naporville Alliance.

Um my next application is the Neighborville Pumpkin Race.

Um this is one of Naperville's most inclusive community events, welcoming participants of all ages and all ability levels.

Um this begins months in advance.

It's part of the program with our coached employment.

These are adults that are paid employees of ours.

It's um they put together pumpkin kits.

This year we sold over 660 pumpkin kits that were shipped out over um to over 19 different states this year.

Um this allows us to pay those adults, and the event is free and it's family friendly for all ability levels.

Um if you have not been, I encourage you to come.

It's fun, it's funny, and um and here's some pictures from that event.

People come out and they're creative.

Um, this year we want to um one of the different things this year is we want to start recycling pumpkins.

People are leaving their pumpkins at the event, and um it's really important instead of just throwing away these pumpkins.

It will take extra effort on um uh marketing the recycling efforts that people will need to do when they're decorating their pumpkins, and um then some extra effort in labor and hauling away the pumpkins.

Um the other collaboration that we're doing is collaborating with kids matter and their uh teen initiative, uh teen philanthropy initiative.

We're so proud to participate with them.

Our events person, Julie, works with their teens, juniors and seniors in the community.

And we're so proud to work with them on inviting new businesses to sponsor selling pumpkin kits.

Working with clubs to get more racers, volunteers from their high schools, create awareness and acceptance for all people coming to the event, and helping manage day of.

And they have been amazing.

So these projects have been powerful examples of how Sika is funding and it helps create meaning of meaningful inclusive experiences, benefiting both individuals with autism and the broader Neighborville community.

So thank you for your continued support for recognizing the value of programs, connecting abilities, creativity, and the community.

Do you have any questions?

Any questions?

It doesn't look as though we do, so thank you very much.

Thank you.

The next speakers are Phil and Pam Spencer with Naper Voice.

That is application number 18, followed by Kathy Clarkin with Accelerate Climate Solutions.

Good morning, and thank you for thank you all for your very important contribution you make to the culture and arts community here in Naperville.

Appreciate it.

I'm Philip Spencer, the founding conductor and artistic director of Naper Voice, the only community philanthropic choir in the Chicago area.

And one of Naperville's newest performing arts organizations.

I'm here with my wife Pam, who serves as director of administration and sings in the choir.

The slides that you were viewing are from our spring concert.

Founded in 2022, we are holding our seventh concert, Gather in Gratitude, at Grace United Methodist Church tomorrow afternoon, benefiting Literacy DuPage.

We're very grateful for the warm reception we've received from the Naperville community in our first three years.

Each of our concerts so far has sold out with over 350 people in attendance.

And we've been able to raise more than $15,000 so far for six different local community service organizations, such as Loaves and Fishes, the Conservation Foundation, and 360 Youth Services.

This success is due in large part to the SECA grant we received in each of our first three years, which went a long way toward helping us achieve our mission to sing well, do good.

Our unique model, which combines professional and audition volunteer singers, has worked extremely well.

We have 39 singers in the concert tomorrow from more than 20 different communities, ranging in age from 20 to 75, including our conducting intern, a recent graduate of Elmhurst University.

We are also featuring a young dancer this time from Auburn High School in Rockford.

Is our visual artist for the printed program and flyer for the fifth time?

And we just found out that we have confirmed a mariachi ensemble for Mateo Valley for our upcoming spring concert.

We have applied for and received additional grants, but we hope for and need your continued support.

So thank you very much for your attention.

Do we have any questions?

Question Mr.

Gannon has been.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Catherine Clarkin with Accelerate Climate Solutions.

She has applications number 33 and 34, followed by Rick Ertmoat with the last fling.

Good morning, commissioners.

I'm Kathy Clarkin, the executive director of Accelerate Climate Solutions, a Neighborville-based nonprofit that started in 2023.

Thank you for this opportunity to share with you a bit more about the benefits of our events to the community.

We have three events that we've applied for, and in the interest of time, I'll just talk about all three of them.

First, we're grateful for the SECA grant that we received last year to host our annual building leadership around sustainable transformation competition ceremony.

That funding allowed us to celebrate and recognize local students who are working towards a sustainable community environmental protection and climate action.

Community members in attendance were inspired by projects such as Best for Last, an initiative to rescue leftover food from restaurants, an EcoRaft, an invention to clean up microplastics from rivers.

The BLAST competition and ceremony are launching points for young people to get involved in their community to create real solutions that benefit the residents of Naperville.

For BLAST 2026, we are hoping to mentor and support 50 BLAST competition students and reach an audience of over a hundred local residents, including many adult volunteers.

We have two new events for 2026 that will serve a broader population in Naperville.

We have applied for a small SECA grant to help support our sports equipment swap in partnership with Naperville Park District.

This event will take place in March and will prevent excess waste from entering our landfill and benefit local families who participate in sports by giving them a chance to exchange or purchase at low cost gently used sports equipment.

And our new event, uh our other new event this year is called a Fix It Fair, which will be held on August 1st.

Naperville residents will have a chance to have items repaired for free and will be able to attend workshops to learn how to make their own repairs.

Student interns will demonstrate upcycling and will also have a small art exhibit.

Like the sports equipment swap, this event will reduce waste and promote repair and reuse.

Similar repair cafes have operated successfully in surrounding communities such as Aurora, Evanston, Addison, and Joliet.

We hope that the initial event that we have proposed will live on for many other events.

Accelerate Climate Solutions is working to help make this community more vibrant and stronger through our events serving Naperville youth, families, and the broader community.

Again, thank you for this opportunity and for your service and commitment to the community of Naperville.

And I'm happy to answer any questions.

Questions.

I have a question.

Yes.

Um, for the fix it fair, how do you find different people to fix a variety of products?

So we have almost a year to find people.

Uh we are partnering with a local church who is doing outreach in their community.

We have connections to a lot of other nonprofits in the area, and so we are going to put the word out for volunteers.

And what we choose to fix is probably going to depend on the volunteers that we find.

I recently went to the SCARS Repair Cafe, and I spoke to some people there.

I got their business cards, so we have like a leg up on uh identifying some people through that event.

And also there was one in Aurora I spoke to those, so we have connections to identify those folks.

Okay, thank you.

Judy, uh, Mr.

Sayet.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you, Getty, for this great presentation.

And thank you so much for this new initiative.

Mentoring youth.

And our next generation is the power house and leadership, you know.

So please continue doing this great work.

And whatever we can support, definitely as a personal uh council member.

I will help support and guide you on.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I I didn't make a presentation for you, but I would encourage everyone to visit our website, accelerate climate solutions.org to see photos of all the youth that we've involved in our programs over the last three years.

So if I understand correctly, that you were presenting for um lines 33, 34, and 51.

Is that correct?

That is correct.

Okay.

Thanks.

The next speaker is Rick Ertmoat with the Last Fling and the Naperville JCs.

That is application number 66, followed by Rich Janner with the Naperville St.

Patrick's Day Parade.

Good morning.

My name is Rick Ertmode.

I'm here representing the Naperville JC's Last Fling event shown on your docket there as a Naperville community charitable organization.

I do appreciate your attention and the opportunity to speak on behalf of the JCs, the Last Fling, and all the volunteers that are part of it.

Some for some historical context, in 2024, our SECA award was in total of 168,080, which included allocation of 138,000, 490 for city services, and just under $30,000 allocated for operational costs.

In that year, approximately 80% of the city services bill was covered by the SECA award allocated for city services.

In 2025, SECA award was 108,600 strictly for city services, which was a reduction of almost $30,000, while our expenses for city services climbed to over $212,000.

We did not request funds for operational expenses due to an oversight on our side, but as you can tell, only about 50% of the cost for our city services was covered by our SECA award that year.

Any profits which are far from guaranteed raised at last fling or any other JC event for for that matter is funneled back into our community.

Over the last 20 years, the JCs have donated over $2 million back to the community.

Local nonprofits request grants of JCs, which are researched and awarded through our donations committee.

Some of the benefactors have included NCTV, Lowe's and Fishes, and Little Friends, and many others.

Some of those donations are in the form of capital gifts for community projects like JC's Park right outside those windows.

And while the donations that the JCs make to other nonprofits is certainly impactful, our mission is to promote personal and professional development and home leadership skills of young professionals through community services.

In the over 60 years of existence of the Naperville JCs, generations of people have learned skills to better their careers in both the public and private sector and have become leaders in their communities, whether that be in Naperville or beyond.

The group of people who run the Last Flame consists entirely of volunteers, people taking time away from their jobs, family, and leisure time to put on an event that has become part of the fabric of Naperville.

The event has evolved greatly over the over years.

Labor Day Weekend at one point meant concerts attended by thousands on Rotary Hill.

But as expenses of all types of skyrocketed, the financially prudent decision was to scale down the event.

So we didn't expose years of hard work from our JC predecessors to get washed away if a few days of rain wiped out our event.

And while we do continue to solicit sponsorships and ask generous vendors for in-kind donations, unfortunately, expenses can continue to rise.

Some of the fastest of those include city services.

Our city services estimate for 2026 is over 225,000.

In recent years, we've also had to invest more money in outside services to help secure our event to ensure a safe environment for everyone that can enjoy.

Are there any questions that you have?

Nice timing.

Um questions.

How shall I say this?

You have run into some issues in the past, um, which required more city services.

Correct.

And um, why don't you tell us briefly what your organization has done to prevent the kinds of things that uh you don't want to happen.

Yeah, no, and that's a that's a very fair question.

So a lot of those conversations are in conjunction, obviously, with our police department.

Um they are constantly making us aware of chatter of things that uh are targeted.

Unfortunately, events like ours through the through communities all over the place are targeted by uh nefarious folks, we'll just say.

And uh in order to put on an event that is safe, secure for Naperville and for anyone that comes to enjoy it.

Certainly um people from surrounding cities do come to the to the last fling.

Um we've had to, you know, we we have to involve additional security, security teams, infrastructure, uh, barriers to uh to help offset some of that and to minimize the uh the any exposure to any you know any safety concerns for uh for the attendees of our event.

So um it's just it's mostly in in conjunction with the police.

Uh there have been you know discussions of of how our footprint has changed over the years and um and how that impacts uh the security of our event and and what that means going forward as well.

So it's something that we're very we're very cognizant of and really walk in with a great partnership with the police department.

Yes.

Um and you've also had some age restrictions, correct?

Yeah, so that is something that uh with discussions with the police department is is um I'd like to say that as you age you mature.

Um but there are you know there so we have have made it so that uh people and and this is a policy that we instigated last year.

Um there's still some discussions as to are we gonna go with the exact same policy?

Is that something that is going to change in next year and in years going forward?

Um so yeah, there was some some restrictions of of people that were uh under a certain age that they needed to be there with uh with a parent.

Um as someone who has a teenage daughter that was uh met with some um displeasure uh at home, but uh we felt it was the right thing for the event and the right thing to uh ensure security and uh in a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.

Yeah, I'm well you know, just my observation, but any event that um involves alcohol um is always more complicated, uh requires more, you know, perhaps more city services.

I I know uh past years I did the bassett training and you know, worked uh one of the uh one of the tents.

Um, and I think they're very good at making sure underage people do not get alcohol.

I think that that is not a problem.

Nope.

Um so uh you know, I do I commend you for all the effort that goes into that.

And I I think putting on a big event, um, especially a nighttime event, is um is really challenging, and it just gets you know, some challenges uh have gotten really difficult in in the last couple of years because of things like social media, and you have to respond in the moment to thank you for the recognition of that.

We appreciate it.

Thank you.

Yes, um, Ms.

Kuhn.

Uh what percentage or what is the amount uh specifically affiliated to the parade?

Um so the amount for the parade.

Hold on just a second.

I've got this in my notes here that I when I found out that I only had three minutes to talk instead of five, I eliminated some stuff.

Um 17,197 is for city services surrounding the parade.

Okay.

And I think we have a a question from Mr.

Myers.

Well, yeah, I was uh chairman of the first last fling for the JCs back in the 80s, and back in those days we had buckets of beer and all over Jefferson and no controls, and we never had a problem.

It was sad to see that we've had to come to the point where we have to have metal detectors and age restrictions, etc.

But that's the world we're in today, and it's it's very unfortunate.

My question to you is when I heard last year all the new restrictions, did that really impact your attendance and participation in the last floor?

Um so I think that it really the impact that we had was more on our carnival vendor than it was, which is you know, obviously a significant part of our event.

Um but I feel like our event was very well attended, um, even with those restrictions.

Um, you know, it it was there were some times where I was like, oh, there's a kid that's walking around and I don't see uh a parent nearby.

Um, you know, I'm I'm not gonna police that, you know, to the to the nth degree.

Uh I think that our those restrictions did give everybody uh a feeling of a much safer environment, and uh you know, really did what it was intended to do, which was um percept you know, from a perception standpoint, just give everybody a feeling of safety and security throughout that.

Um the the uh from an aspect of safety and security, it you know, we didn't have any uh at least that I'm aware of if we did not have any of the issues of any uh firearms needing to be confiscated or anything like that, which has happened in the past.

So um I think that those restrictions did their you know did their job and and I think that just the knowledge that that was going on, you know, may have kept some some some people away that would have otherwise targeted our event.

I guess my only comment is perseverance on your part.

I commend the JCs for continuing this very important event in the community.

I know you got a lot of headwinds, but perseverance uh prevails, and uh congratulations on successful events.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other questions?

Thank you.

The next speaker is Rich Janner with the West Suburban Irish's Naperville St.

Patrick's Day Parade.

That is application number 84, followed by Trudy Ranson with the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.

Okay, good morning.

My name is Rich Janner.

I have the honor of serving as uh chairman of the Naperville St.

Patrick's Day Parade.

Feels a little bit like spring today and yesterday, so definitely the uh parade is on the mind.

We opened registration here yesterday.

I'd like to thank you for your volunteer uh service to the community.

Uh the West Suburban Irish is the producer of the parade.

We are a nonprofit.

Uh we produce two events, the Parade and Irish Fest uh to celebrate Irish culture here in the community.

This year's parade will be on Saturday, March 14th.

Uh, the parade has over 30 years of history in the community, as you may know.

Uh, in what started out as just a few block parade now has over 100 entries, 2500 participants and over 10,000 uh spectators.

So really important uh an annual event here uh in the community.

As you also know from seeing national headlines uh about parades over the last five years or so, uh public safety and security uh are incredibly important now for us and always.

In fact, it's our highest priority.

So we uh work in lockstep with uh the police department, fire department, emergency management, uh, as well as public works through several proactive measures to make sure our uh our participants and our visitors are safe.

And of course, there is a cost and a rising cost associated with all of that.

So uh we have raised our entry fees for the parade a little bit to account for some of the rising costs.

We've amped up uh sponsorship uh recruitment efforts, but nevertheless, we do rely heavily on the uh SECA commission and the uh SECA award to uh to be able to to operate the parade, and of course, in a safe manner.

So I'm here to thank uh the commission for past support and certainly appreciate your consideration of our 2026 request.

Thank you.

Any questions?

Um just one for me.

Um what what was the first year?

If you it's it's not a quiz, I was just wondering what the first year was.

Uh let's so the first year of the parade, uh, I don't know the year off the top of my head, but I know it's over 30 years ago.

And um, some people in the room might remember, but uh I believe the parade started near the near the VFW and uh was about three blocks into downtown Naperville, and of now, of course, we start at Naperville North and end at Naperville Central.

So um it definitely uh has grown considerably over the years.

Yeah, it's it's um I think it's a parade everybody enjoys.

It's always fun to see um people who's who who dress up in green or have their kids dress up and um yeah.

Certainly a very enjoyable event for the community.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Trudy Ranson with Indian Prairie Educational Foundation.

That is application number 14, followed by Elena Dooley with DuPage Children's Museum.

Good morning.

I'm Dr.

Trudy Ranson.

I'm the executive director for the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation, and I appreciate this opportunity to speak in support of our grant request for the Fine Arts Festival.

For over 37 years, IPEF, an independent 501c3 organization, has partnered with the Indian Prairie School District 204 to inspire students, engage our community, and enrich education.

The Fine Arts Festival is one of the best examples of that mission in action and brings it to life in the most joyful way possible.

Each year, this event brings together more than 18,000 student artists and musicians from across our school district.

On the third Saturday in May, our three high schools are transformed into a living gallery with walls filled with student artwork and hallways alive with music.

It's a celebration that welcomes more than 35,000 members of the community each year in order to experience the creativity and talent of our students firsthand.

For many students, it's their first chance to perform with older, more experienced student musicians to get a taste of the kind of music that they will be able to perform themselves in four or five years.

For others, it's their first chance to have their artwork displayed in public every year.

I love to see the pride on these kids' faces as they show off their art displays to family, friends, neighbors, parents, and grandparents.

To see that moment when they realize that their creativity matters and that this community values it.

SECA's support is vital to making this very special event possible, and to keep it free of charge for everyone in our community.

Your investment in this grant provides display materials, sheet music and royalties, sound and lighting equipment, and essential services needed to showcase our students' talent at a professional level.

The Fine Arts Festival truly reflects what Sika stands for: building community through shared cultural experiences.

It celebrates creativity, connection, and the artistic spirit of Naperville itself.

Thank you so much for your time this morning and for your continued commitment to keeping the arts alive and accessible for everyone in our community.

Thank you.

Are there any questions?

That's good.

Thank you very much.

The next speaker is Elena Dooley with DuPage Children's Museum.

That is application number eight, followed by Linda D.

Metropolis with the West Suburban Irish Irish Fest.

You said it was right.

Sure.

My name is Elena Dooley.

I'm the grants manager at DuPage Children's Museum.

We're so grateful today for all of you on the commission, as well as Jake and Miranda for giving up your Saturday and many Saturdays to offer this opportunity to us.

Today we're going to be talking about this joyful engagement with the arts program that DuPage Children's Museum is offering.

Just to give you a little start, DCM was founded in 1987.

We're pushing 40 years of bringing joyful learning to the Naperville community.

We actually started with a dream and a station wagon.

Our two founders here began by bringing traveling exhibits around to the city, and now we've become just a treasured community institution.

Our joyful arts engagement program has expanded over many years.

We've offered public programs for about 30.

In the last five years, we've really tried to hone in on specifically offering arts-based programs that leverage collaborative activities, each around a central theme for each day.

Here's an example of one of our events is our So Long Summer Bash, where we bring music and art to the museum in different ways that we wouldn't normally.

We don't have a lot of music every day in the museum, so these events are special opportunities.

What you see here is children building their own instruments and participating in collaborative music and dance.

In terms of the actual impact on the community of Naperville and the families who come to visit, what you're seeing here is our attendance at each of these events in this previous fiscal year.

And then in black, all the way on the right side is our average Saturday.

So on average, we're bringing in about 400 more children and families than would normally visit the city on a day like this, but you can see sometimes we even get close to a thousand more.

What's important about this is children and families are coming to bring to build musical memories together that are collaborative and that bring joy to their lives.

More importantly, for the city of Naperville, our events end around lunchtime.

So most families come and then stay in the city for lunch and spend the rest of their day patronizing the community.

This funding really matters in terms of widening the pool of arts activities and artists and mediums that we can bring.

Some of our artists, like you just saw on that previous slide for So Long Summer Bash.

Little Miss Ann and Band is a nationally traveling children's artist.

And so we get to have her and other artists like her coming and bringing that joy to our community.

In addition, we like to uplift local artists from the Chicagoland area so that people can see the types of high-quality music and arts that are here around them.

We are so grateful for this opportunity.

Um, and I'll take any questions that you have.

Looks as though we have some questions.

Um, Mr.

Myers and then Mr.

Cannon.

And this is from Riah more than anyone, uh, or Miranda, I'm sorry.

Um city obligations, because we own the building.

Have we uh retired that obligation?

Yes, the uh city obligation that was paying for the DuPage Children's Museum uh was completed last year.

Okay, and how much was that per year?

Get back to you.

Okay.

That's a good question.

Thanks.

I know okay.

I had asked a question prior to this meeting about building and utilities costs, and that may have something to do with what you had, Tom.

What specifically is that expense?

Sure, yeah.

So, in order to put on these events across the year, it's important to also contribute to the location that we're having these events.

We couldn't have them if we didn't have our building and our um parking lot.

And so, what's included in that is those things, so such as our general utilities, also in that site section is like janitorial and things like that.

Yeah.

But wouldn't those expenses exist whether or not this event takes place?

Yes, yeah, in a sense, they would.

It also increases those types, especially some of those um utilities and building use things.

Um, it would increase those because we have a higher attendance on a right than we do on a regular Saturday, but I totally see where you're coming from, yeah.

Yeah, I um because you're asking um was it 37,400 or I think the city's allocation is about 20 percent across the board.

I don't excuse me, I don't have the application is 35.

Uh oh, the total you're asking?

Yeah, the total ask for this proposal is about 35.

Yeah, which comprises roughly 20% of the total project.

Yeah, I just have a concern about that.

If the expense, even if even if there is more uh expense incurred by having the event, there is still an expense being carried by the DuPage Museum, the children's museum for utilities.

Sure, sure.

Seems like you're asking us to double pay here.

No, that totally makes sense.

And we do have um a large pool of funders and different funding opportunities for these types of programs.

So if that's not something that SEC is comfortable folding in, then we could definitely seek funding elsewhere.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Yeah, Mr.

Myers.

I just want to clarify.

I don't think the city is obligated to pay any of the expenses of the museum now that they've paid off the bond, correct?

I mean, it's not like the city's picking up some of the utilities and cleaning and all that stuff.

That's all on the museum and their operating budget.

That is correct.

Um, the DCM purchase reimbursement city obligation was completed in calendar year 2024, and it was 150,000 a year.

And that was primarily for debt service on the building.

Correct.

Okay, thank you.

Um this is I think a question for Miranda, and you can get back to us if you don't know it.

Um, but have we in the past um uh funded expenses like this?

That the one in other words, really the the operating cost, a percentage of the operating cost that that somehow would be incurred during the period of this event and possibly increased because of the event taking place.

I don't believe so.

I believe the reimbursable expenses were related to the artists brought in or other um um payments related to the special event at the DuPage Children's Museum, but I could we'll look into it for you.

Yeah, so um I I would say it's probably likely that that would be deducted from any possible um you know consideration of your total.

So at this point, it wouldn't be transferred to something else.

Sure, yeah.

No, that totally makes sense, and that's why we have itemized budgets, right?

I totally understand that.

Okay, thank you.

Thanks.

Anything else?

Awesome.

Thank you all.

The next speaker is Linda D.

Metropolis with the West Suburban Irish Irish Fest.

This is application number 83, followed by Siley Joshi with Naperville Neighbors United.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Um, my name is Linda Dimetropolos, and I'm a board member of the West Suburban Irish and the co-chair for the Neighborville Irish Fest.

Um, the Naperville Irish Fest is a two-day family-friendly friendly event that highlights Irish culture and heritage throughout the Western suburbs through music, dance, sports, artisan goods, and many cultural activities aimed at both children and adults.

We celebrate all things Irish.

And then the culture tent is right there, which includes Irish books, meetings with authors, genealogy, the Irish consulate sends a representative to talk, and then we have Irish history displays.

We also host the Irish Village, which offers a range of artisans showcasing Irish goods, jewelry, soda bread, and more.

Attendees can learn about popular Irish sports, such as hurling and comoge.

And of course, the wonderful concert center.

The band shell is where we showcase all our musical and dance acts from across the country.

Our entertainment brings talent across the United States to the city of Naperville.

The musicians provide a diversity of talents, including young musicians from the Institute of Traditional Irish Music, as well as established musicians.

We've engaged multiple local Irish dance schools to perform at the Fest to promote their Irish heritage.

The Irish Fest is open to the public.

Our primary target audience is those of Irish descent or those interested in learning more about Irish culture.

And of course, all who enjoy family-friendly events are encouraged to attend.

Our primary marketing is aimed at Irish descendants living in the western county.

So DuPage, Kane, Will, and Cook.

Based on census data, there are about 450,000 residents in these counties that are of Irish descent.

Despite a little rain, which people kind of uh you know felt like, well, this is like a day in Ireland.

Um we we still had um good attendance.

We attracted around 2,000 participants over the course of the two days, and those are drawn from 76 cities and towns.

Um in 2026, we anticipate between 2500 and 3,000 attendees over the two days.

Most people stay for a few hours at the fest, resulting in attendance, usually under a thousand in the park at any time.

Wow, that went fast.

Any questions?

Um I, as a South Side resident, was sorry when you changed the venue, but I completely understand why that works much better for your your organization.

Yeah, yeah, thank you.

I live on the south side as well, so Frontier Park was closed.

Um but this works very well.

Well, we have any other questions?

Okay.

The next speaker is Sile Joshi with Naperville Neighbors United, applications number 71 and 72, followed by Gary Leavenworth with the Naperville Men's Glee Club.

I'd love to use both the time slots if needed.

Thank you.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

Good morning.

I'm Sile Joshi, and on behalf of Naperville Neighbors United, I would like to begin by thanking the SECA Commission, not only for our past support for our programs, but also for your ongoing commitment to funding so many wonderful initiatives that celebrate the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of our city.

At NNU, our mission is to serve as a catalyst for connection and inclusion in Naperville, to create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, heard, and empowered.

Through education, dialogue, and partnership with other nonprofit organizations.

We strive to strengthen well-being, reduce isolation, and inspire compassionate engagement.

We believe that community building and mental health are deeply interconnected, and that by fostering belonging leads to a healthier, more resilient community.

This year, NNU has submitted two SECA grant applications.

In 2026, we will proudly celebrate Naperville's fifth annual Juneteenth.

This day honors freedom, resilience, and countless contributions of African Americans to our nation's cultural, social, and economic life.

Our event is a joyful community gathering that reflects Naperville's values of inclusion and unity.

We invite you to a brief video from last year's celebration, which captures the spirit of togetherness and defines this event.

By the way, because I'm happy, I'm alone if you feel like a room without a room.

I'm alone if you feel like happiness is truth.

Because I'm happy alone if you know what happiness is to you.

Come happy, that alone can give you feel like that's what you want to do.

Yeah.

I should cry all yeah, I'll be just fine.

No offense to you who don't waste your time.

Because I'm happy.

I'm alone if you feel like a room with our room.

Come happy.

I'm belonging if you feel like happiness is the truth.

Because I'm happy alone if you know what happiness is to you.

If you feel like that's what you want to do.

Bring me.

We hope that you will join us on June 13th of this coming year.

Now, in its second year, our keeping it real film series uses film to spark understanding and empathy.

In early 2025, we screened Unseen, a powerful documentary about an undocumented immigrant living with a disability.

Because the film's protagonists could not travel, we hosted a virtual discussion that drew participants from Naperville and beyond, offering home streaming options for families and small groups.

We were proud to partner with Almas to provide a conversation in both English and Spanish.

Tomorrow we will conclude this year's series with a sold-out screening of Future Council at the Matrix Club, a family-friendly film on the environmental sustainability, followed by a youth panel featuring District 203 and 204 students who are leading local efforts in climate action.

We are proud to partner with 14 organizations supporting this event, including the public library, the park district, both school districts, kids matter, Almas, YMCA, Accelerate Climate Solutions, just to name a few.

Looking ahead in 2026, we hope to present Teaching America, a documentary following students and educators in Arkansas as they experience the inaugural AP African American Studies course.

We have invited its Academy Award-winning producer, Anurima Bargava, a Chicago native and a nationally respected civil rights lawyer to join us in Naperville.

Through both Juneteenth and Keeping It Real, Naperville Neighbors United continues to advance the city's values to cultivate a thriving, inclusive and connected community, one that honors the stories and experiences of all its residents.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any any questions?

Mr.

Myers.

What was the attendance at the Juneteenth event?

What's the average attendance over the years?

Average attendance, we would say would be about a little less than a thousand.

It's a three-hour event.

Any other questions.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Gary Leavenworth with the Naperville Men's Glee Club, application number 20, followed by Brooke Wiseman with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.

Good morning.

Thank you for being here.

I've spent many hours at that dais, and I I appreciate your your commitment.

My name's Gary Leavenworth.

I'm the director of uh fundraising development, if you will, for the Naperville Men's Glee Club.

Naperville Men's Glee Club is nothing new to the community, but the what we're presenting to you is new to the community.

It's called Singing for Seniors Part 2.

Singing for Seniors is nothing new.

We started 25 years ago.

Couldn't have done it without Sika.

Thank you.

But what we're doing now is uh because of the fact that we had to stop our singing for seniors.

COVID was not good to the performing world.

Uh when we came back, we decided to take the show on the road.

So we're gonna do something very special.

We are going to have uh a troupe of performers that anyone can be part of.

It's not not just the Glee Club.

Anyone in this room that enjoys entertaining could join us.

What we're gonna do is we're gonna visit different nursing homes at least one a month for 10 months of the year.

We're not going to do it over the holidays as they're inundated with so much Christmas Christmas stuff.

Every cute little choir and kids program, they all want to be there.

And it's wonderful.

But what we're going to do is we're going to make it special for them.

First of all, genre.

We're going to have more than one genre that the activities directors can choose from.

Every member that's part of the troupe is going to be have their own song selection.

And it's going to be supported by a sound system that with recorded tracks, karaoke on wheels, if you will.

But these are people that are part of the group that will come and depending on how many people require, we'll put out blast and say, hey, we're going to do this facility.

We need five singers, six singers.

It's going to be like an Uber.

Whoever signs up grabs it, they're going to be on stage.

And they're going to have their recorded practice songs that they've already just sang.

So why are we doing this?

Well, first off, again, this is something that is needed for our community.

That's why singing for seniors started 25 years ago.

A lot of people are lost.

They get in the facilities, they have nothing to do.

It's also going to be very inexpensive.

We're going to be totally self-sustained financially.

And our we're going to charge just a few dollars for the for our performances.

And those dollars that we're going to charge are going to fund keep us going.

What you're looking for here is $4,500, only $4,500.

And what you're going to do with that is we're going to be buying all the portable sound equipment that we're going to take with us.

So we're going to be able to very lean and mean and get right in there and do our shows.

You did you did beautifully.

And what what Mr.

Any questions?

I'd love to uh I'm I'm just going to make one comment at the beginning.

Mr.

Leavenworth and I spent uh many years here on Plan Commission in the in the 90s of sharing this, sharing this dais.

And uh Gary, um, when we began, we were just young slips of things, and and now we in fact are seniors how did that happen.

So you taught me so much, Judy.

I know.

Thanks.

Any any questions about what we're trying to do this time around?

We do have a couple of questions.

Mr.

Myers and Ms.

Prasad.

Gary, I I just I might have dismissed it.

You charge the um nursing home fee of and how much do they pay?

Uh our business model is three hundred dollars, which is if you go to sunrise, they're gonna pay you 300.

They're gonna pay us 300 for our show.

Okay.

100 uh is going to go uh for a scholarship program, which was part of the singing for seniors part one.

So we're gonna have a scholarship endowment that we're gonna be rebuilding.

We lost it back at Singing for Seniors one.

We don't need to go into that, but Tom, you were part of the conversation.

Um we're gonna rebuild that.

Uh we're gonna be auditioning high school students that will be part of the troop.

So we're gonna audition them as juniors as seniors.

Uh they're gonna be invited to be part of the troupe, and they're gonna get exposure to the seniors.

Uh real quick, the other uh money though, is going to go uh for uh just operations.

Okay, the other 200.

Thank you, Ms.

Prasad.

So following up a little bit on that, you said it was 4,500 this year, and that's yours.

Is that seed money?

Because um it sounded like you were saying that the 4,500 this year would go towards um some of the capital cost, the bikes, the the equipment, all of that.

Would you continue?

Would this be self-funding after that?

Yes, totally self-funding.

Yeah, what this is just a capital to get us going.

We're just we'll we'll be having those training wheels off in no time.

Uh, in the meantime, what we're gonna be doing is personally, I'm going to purchase the equipment.

We'll be purchasing local from a local store here.

We've got a couple different vendors that are looking at putting packages together for us.

I'm personally gonna fund it, like I did the first singing for seniors for many years, and then uh once we we get your grant, we will uh be able to just run with it.

And that equipment should last us, gosh, many years because it's not gonna be used that much.

Any other questions?

Thank you again for your time.

Thank you, Gary.

The next speaker is Brooke Wiseman with the Dupage Symphony Orchestra, application number nine, followed by Salma Madi with Moosan.

Remind us what number this is.

Nine.

Number nine.

Just that big one.

Well, almost good afternoon to all of you.

I thank you for all your time and for being here listening to all of us.

And I've learned a lot, and I may join this singing senior group.

So I am Brooke Wiseman.

I'm representing the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.

I'm the executive vice president of the board.

And uh we're looking forward to our 2026 Radiance Reflection series this year.

We have been around since 1954.

No, nine 1954.

Yeah, isn't that amazing?

That's how long we've been around.

And we are joining with you every year, hopefully, to represent April together with world class music so that we all can share that together.

Dupage Symphony Orchestra is actually composed of nine over 90 volunteer musicians.

They all volunteer their time.

And in the last year, that represented 13,000 volunteer hours that were given.

We represents and visit and have music education for over 6,000 students across the area.

And that's kind of one of the secrets that people don't necessarily know is the community work that we do in addition to our concerts.

We do have eight concerts, and uh fun fact is that they represent um oh I forgot to turn.

Okay, here we go.

Uh our we represent over 60 zip codes that come in for each of our concerts, and so that brings a whole lot of people, and what it does is have people come to eat all the time and visit all the shops and those sorts of things.

Um, those are the opportunities that we bring economically to Neighborville.

Also, we um represent uh a lot of the Sika values.

We provide access, we have free open rehearsals that people are uh it's free, people can come.

We invite many different kinds of groups to be to come to that, so a lot of children, uh people with uh differences and things like that.

Um, we also have accessible venues wherever, and we have military and senior discounts that we were allowed to offer because of your help.

We also represent diversity.

We have a lot of uh different kinds of music from um different kinds of cultures, and many of our soloists come representing different cultures.

We also have uh a lot of community visits, and that's neighborhood visits that are very important.

Okay, thank you.

Are there questions?

Um, I was just gonna ask since I've asked uh several groups.

Um, you you talk about open um free rehearsals, which sounds wonderful.

Open rehearsals, yes, open rehearsals.

Um, and generally speaking, for attending one event, what what would be a ticket price?

I thank you for asking me that.

It runs around 22.

Okay, thank you very much.

Yeah.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Salma Madi with Mousin, followed by Janet Somerville with the Kids Matter Teen Philanthropy Initiative.

What number?

Sorry.

The uh application number 43.

Oh, thank you.

Hello, everybody.

My name is uh Salma Maddie.

I am the institutional giving manager at Mossin, a nonprofit organization that provides disability inclusion services to the deaf community, the blind community, the special needs, mental um mental health.

So all assets of it.

So before I begin, I actually wanted to start with a video that captures truly the adult day program, and it's a small scope of the work that's that place.

So when I saw something come across through social media that they were starting a program for adults, I jumped at it.

And when I came here, I was so excited.

I was like, this is what Nicholas needs because it's his age group.

They do things that other programs don't.

They go out in the community and they just, you know, it's a different, like a family feel.

Uh the individuals that work here really care about Nicholas and the others that come here.

And it's just uh a joy.

It really is.

And I feel I could trust them, and you know, I could leave them here and know that he'll be cared of, and he is, you know.

This is still amazes us every day.

They're trying to help the kids get more independent.

So if they go somewhere, they're having the kids pay for their food or a treat or something with their own money and trying to train them for daily living.

So those skills are valuable.

Yeah, we feel very comfortable coming and uh could be.

All right, this is the heart of MOSN.

Um, it's creating spaces where every individual, regardless of ability, feels valued, connected, and celebrated.

Our adult late program focuses on developing independence, creativity, and community engagement.

Um, as a matter of fact, 93% of our participants have demonstrated positive community integration and social interaction outcomes.

Um, through the Seika grants, what we hope to do is introduce the multicultural gallery, um, celebrating art, culture, and inclusion, an event designed to unite our community through art, diversity, and more importantly, accessibility.

Um, it will feature artwork created by adults in our they program, as well as keep it open to the Naperville community with all participants.

Um, it would incorporate basically interactive cultural stations, sensory friendly rooms, all designed so that every guest, regardless of ability, can participate fully.

Um, our goals are simple but powerful.

It's to promote awareness, build community connection, and model accessibility by showing how inclusion can be built into every event our city hosts.

Um, with SECA support the multicultural gallery will not only showcase art, it will showcase what's possible when a city invests in belonging as well.

Thank you.

Any questions from the commission?

Doesn't look like it, so thank you so much.

The next speaker is Janet Somerville with the Kids Matter Teen Philanthropy Initiative Application 62, followed by Kathy Thorat with the American Multi-ethnic Commission.

Uh good morning, and thank you for giving me the chance to speak with you here today.

My name is Trun Annan, and I'm a part of the uh Teen Philanthropy Initiative through Kids Matter.

Before joining this program, I never imagined out how the opportunity or the confidence uh to take part in grant making, community fundraising, and taking the next step to be a leader in my community.

I always thought that these responsibilities were always something far beyond something the teenager could reach.

However, through the Teen Philanthropy Initiative and uh knowledgeable mentors, I've not only learned what philanthropy looks like in action, I've gained communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

They'll stay with me for the rest of my life.

The hands-on experience of evaluating needs, collaborating with peers, and making thoughtful decisions about community resources has been truly transformative.

Throughout the program, students are introduced to three core pillars of philanthropy grantmaking, fundraising, and strategic volunteerism.

Students join us high school juniors and stay through their senior year.

In our junior year, we award 10,000 dollars in grants.

This point now supports more than 12 local nonprofits.

As seniors, our focus shifts towards fundraising and sustaining this impact.

We are currently engaging in real grant applications, working to cure the resources needed so that next year's group can continue to build off of what we've started.

Uh I'd like to share an example that demonstrates the power of youth-led philanthropy.

As TPI students, we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Turning Point Aunt as a foundation to help plan advertise and volunteer one of their one of their events.

This taught us what it truly takes according to successful event, engage with community members, and work effectively with the nonprofits' leadership.

It was a powerful reminder that when young people are empowered and guided, we can meaningfully contribute to something that's far bigger than ourselves.

Looking forward, the Teen Philanthropy Initiative is ready to multiply its impact across the neighborhood community.

Continued funding, including support from the CECA grant, will allow more students to experience this program and will elevate the reach of the organizations we serve.

Hello, my name is Ria Dave, and I'm another proud member of the senior cohort of TPI.

Two years ago, I never imagined I'd be standing here at City Hall advocating for our program.

But through TPI, I have the opportunity to be a part of many things greater than just myself.

TPI doesn't just teach us about philanthropy, it turns students into active hands-on leaders.

Our team has been responsible for allocating 10,000 dollars, interviewing and researching local nonprofits, contributing service hours, and now we have begun our journey of fundraising money to support our program.

This funding that we're gonna that we will receive from the SECA grant will help support our Teen Philanthropy Initiative Capstone ceremony in April in April.

Our ceremony is the moment when we, the student philanthropists, formally present our year's work to our community, our donors, and crucially the nonprofit partners we selected.

It is when we recognize the dedication of our cohort and honor the organizations whose programs we supported.

Overall, it celebrates the achievement that our students, our nonprofits, and our community can be a part of.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and your belief in the power of investing in young leaders.

Thank you.

Questions from the commissioners?

It looks as though there's no questions, so thank you very much.

The next speaker is Kathy Thurat with the American Multi-ethnic Commission, application number 52, followed by Maria Rodriguez and Shai Ska Malka with DuPage Hispanic Alliance.

While they're setting that up, uh Miranda, how many more speakers do we have?

There are six remaining speakers.

Thank you.

Naperville's greatest strength has always been its diverse people, individuals who come from different cultures, speak different languages, and bring with them different traditions from Africa, Asia, and even European ethnicities.

Our annual Global Community Awards Gala is a celebration of this very diversity that's at the core of Naperville.

Every year, we honor champions from diverse backgrounds, youth, seniors, teams, civic leaders, business owners, educators, and we give over 30 awards that are given in multiple areas like healthcare, nursing, entrepreneurship, charity work, so on and so forth.

And in addition to the awards, we have a variety of cultural performances from diverse ethnic groups.

Since last year, we started not just diverse communities, we also started including people with disabilities.

For instance, last year we had performances from Chicago Prosthetic Society, and we also had performances by visually challenged artists that were showcased in our event.

And this event has an awards ceremony, it has a reception, it has cultural performances, and it also has uh uh and our total budget is about eighty-nine thousand dollars, or Sika asks for about fifty-five uh thousand um dollars.

So we'll be doing this event in Elobox, the community, the Christian community church in Emerson Lane Naperville.

And our expenses are largely related to two items.

One is the venue rental and also the honorary and we pay for different uh teams that come and perform.

And the this event is free to attend because we want to make it as accessible as we can to as many people as we want.

So, but we do have prior registration that's needed.

And we also live stream the event to ensure that we showcase it to people outside the Naperville area.

So the event happens at multiple areas within Yellow Box, including the gymnasium and the auditorium and the lobby area.

And as I said, this is going to be not just an award ceremony, but also a uh a cultural showcase that we do.

So this year we are requesting your support to help us elevate the celebration.

With your support, we can create an event that not only provides entertainment but unites our entire city.

An even that reminds every attendee that that is a place for you in Naperville.

Thank you.

Um questions.

We have one, wait, we have a couple here from uh Ms.

Prasad, Mr.

Myers, and then I have one as well.

Um, I have a question.

I saw one of the YouTube videos, and the session, the ceremony started with a prayer.

Is that something that's a part of the culture or part?

How does that roll or that what purpose did that serve?

Thank you so much for that question.

So we do have multi uh spiritual prayers.

It's not prayer that represent one religion, it's a prayer for world peace.

So we do have multiple cultures, multiple backgrounds, multiple religions that come in.

So it's a multi-faith prayer that we do, it's not just one faith that we represent.

And it could, I only saw the one video.

It's in it's some it's a part of the ceremony, number two.

Yes, Mr.

Myers.

Uh looking at your budget, it looked as though the biggest supporter would be SECA.

So and my my guess my question is uh if you weren't able to receive that full 50 plus allocation from SECA, how would you fund the event and what is your plan going forward to start weaning off of the SECA donation?

Thank you so much for that question.

So even last last year was the first time we approached SECAN.

We received partial funding.

So we do have donors and sponsors we reached out to.

We usually reach out to, we accelerated that effort.

And you know, looking at future, we should probably start uh ticketing our events right now.

We don't ticket.

That could help us generate some revenue.

That's a future plan, but we want to keep it accessible to everybody.

It's currently free, so that you know we generate enough traction and enough showcase, and then that's something that we are looking at in the future.

Thank you.

Yeah, I I have a question.

This is primarily a gala that has some performances integrated into it.

Is that correct?

No, this is a this is a this has multiple segments, so there are a lot of cultural performances, there is an awards ceremony.

We conclude it with a dance competition.

Yeah.

So um the awards are these awards what makes this a Naperville event?

Are these awards given to Naperville citizens?

The awards can be from uh for anybody from the Chicago Land area who are from diverse multi-ethnic background.

We used to have this event in downtown a couple of years ago.

Then we shifted to Naperville because a lot of the community here is diverse, and we do have a lot of Naperville residents and organizations receive these awards, but these awards are not restricted to Naperville residents.

Yeah, I'm I'm trying to get the Naperville connection here.

You know, what the Naperville connection is that you know, this is a very diverse uh community, and we go out to other parts of Chicago and even around the country to showcase our culture, our traditions, and similarly, we invite people from North Suburbs from Chicago, downtown, from from South, from African communities, Polish communities, they all come to Naperville to to participate in this event.

Okay, could you go back to the slide that talks about accessibility?

Yeah, so it's at the yellow box.

I think we're all familiar with where that is.

I would not call that bicycle friendly or walking friendly or near a metro station.

I don't think it's any of those things.

Okay, can I hear you again?

It's if anyone arrived at a metro metro station, which would either be Route 59 or downtown Naperville, they they then also need to get an Uber or a ride or some way to get to Yellow Box.

And I have a hard time imagining too many people being able to cycle to Yellow Box or walk to Yellow Box.

I mean, it's very much at a big busy intersection.

So I would guess that almost everyone who comes is coming by car.

So last year, for instance, we had a community organization that reached by bus.

So they had we had buses that uh brought them from the Metro station.

Oh, I think or other locations we did.

We did not uh budget it in it, but last year that was one thing.

So we had some shuttle people shuttle kind of.

Okay, all right.

That that makes sense.

Thank you.

Okay, I think that's it.

Thank you.

The next speakers are Maria Rodriguez and Shaiskomalka with the Dupage Hispanic Alliance, application number 59, followed by Ty Ng with the Sister Cities Foundation.

Oh, and the presentation.

I think we are 30.

Yes.

Let me see Reverend R.

Walk.

Okay.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Um thank you so much for doing this for the community.

Uh my name is Shaiz Kamalka, and I serve on Dupe Hispanic Alliance.

We are a non-profit 503 uh independent organization here in Dupech County.

Um we are dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community and creating authentic Latino cultural experiences across Naperville and Dupech County through education, art, and community engagement.

Um thank you, Sika Commission, for supporting our uh Latin Suburban Art Walk over the past two years.

And uh we are appreciative of that.

Um what's the Latin Suburban Art Walk?

It's an immersive experience celebration of Hispanic culture that brings together art, music, dance, and community engagement in a way that allows both Latinos and non-Latinos to explore the rich traditions and modern influences of Hispanic art, uh Hispanic art.

Um this event, it's entertaining, educational, and family friendly.

In 2024, we featured uh over uh 20 different artists from eight different countries.

In 2025, we doubled that number by welcoming more performers to our event.

We are very intentional about being inclusive of all 19 different countries, Spanish speaking countries, um, ensuring that our Latino uh event uh ensures repres uh truthful representation from diverse artists and a wide range of art mediums.

Um we also created um think back at the murals.

We have created uh this highly visible murals, uh public art installation, including in the Nichols Library Life Mural in 2024, and uh this year in Cubo Restaurant uh in mural too with more um plan for 2026.

These installations become lasting cultural contributions for downtown Naperville.

Whoops, with SIGA continued support for 2026, we aim to expand programming even further and more with interactive public art, more live music, dance, and everything to be completely free and accessible for all families in Naperville and surrounding um uh communities.

Uh thank you again for your past support and considering our application.

Uh we truly value the Neighborville, uh, the partnership we build with SICA Commission and the opportunity to continue contributing to Naperville.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any questions?

And um, Mr.

Myers just asked me um uh can you forward all of these um presentations, you know, PowerPoints and so forth to the commission.

Yes, not a problem.

Thank you.

No questions?

Thank you.

The next speaker is Ty Nigio with Sister Cities Foundation, application number 76, followed by Ganesh Car and Depali Sarolgi with the D Tribals Foundation.

This application, um also application 47, Naperville Sister Cities Foundation.

I am also on Neighborville Sister Cities Foundation.

So I'm just heard just a support of the office.

Good morning.

My name is Ty Neem, and I'm a student board member representing Napleville Sister Cities Foundation.

Today here to propose the Naperville Sister Cities Monet Butterfly Garden Initiative.

First, I'd like to provide a little bit of background about who Cissic Cities is as an organization.

Ciso Cities is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and economic development opportunities between Naperville and our sister cities, Nietzsche Slovakia, Cancun, Mexico, and Patsquaro, Mexico.

Why do we choose Monarch Butterflies as the focal point for our initiative?

Monarch Butterflies connects directly with Naperville and ICD cities as a whole.

The Monarch Butterflies will be able to invest in Naperville in the spring with a proposed garden, as well as then migrating down to Patsquado, one of our sister cities in the coming summer months.

This shows that it is more than just a migration.

In addition to this, we aim to involve citizens, adults and youth alike in the creation and formation of the garden.

This will not only serve to increase foot traffic for visitors, but also allow youth and adults to come together to be part of this meaningful community project.

Our proposed gardens design occupies a 12 by 21 foot sized site.

In front of the site, there will be an informational sign regarding initiative regarding information about monarch butterfly migration and other information for visitors.

We also aim to include a multicultural and multilingual component, which will serve to draw to draw together visitors across various backgrounds.

In addition to this, we will aim to plant milkweed flowers, which will serve to increase the population of monarch butterflies that come to our garden, as well as be visually appealing for visitors.

A quick timeline of a garden.

First, we plan to set up, then we will find the requisite materials to create the garden.

Then we will prep the soil and plant.

And finally, we will continue maintenance throughout the creation, initial creation of the garden, as well as when visitors arrive.

This new community attraction serves to include the entire city of Napleville at large and offering service opportunities for youth and adults to come together to be a part of this project and something greater than themselves.

Thank you.

Okay, questions from uh Mr.

Gannon.

Thank you.

Uh you're approaching us.

Have you approached any other organization businesses for help with funding of this?

Yes, we have submitted a grant application to the Kids Matter Teen Philanthropy Initiative seeking funding for $1,500.

Okay, okay.

You you're you've gone to Kids Matter, but anybody else other than the point I'm making here, this just seems like a project that that's open to a lot of um funding from individuals and businesses.

We have any number of nurseries in the in our area here.

And I have to believe that somebody out there for you know you're asking for $1,500.

I'm sure there are there are going to be some nurseries out there that will will jump at this as an opportunity to help you, because in the turn they would probably be asking for some sort of recognition.

Uh yes, that is something that we have started to do, just at this particular time we have not.

So obviously SECA would be if we were able to like get the CK funds at least it would guarantee that we can get this project up and going.

We can also contact Illinois extension for the Master Gardeners program because there are people there who are obligated to do volunteer service.

Okay.

I mean, they've done volunteer service at Naperville settlement.

I'm sure they'd be willing to do something like this.

And those are options we will definitely look at.

It's just the we can do we can ask, and hopefully we could receive, but at this time we have not explored that yet.

Mr.

Meyer.

Two things.

One, where is the garden going to be planted?

Maybe you covered it.

I just missed it.

Um you want to go ahead.

Yes.

So we have spoken to Knocknell's Park as one of our potential sites, and the Nike Park Sports Complex as one of our backup sites.

And my second question is I'm having a hard time tying sister cities in the garden.

Can you help connect it?

Oh, sorry, could you repeat the question?

Maybe my this is it's going to one of the butterflies go back to one of the sister cities.

Okay.

Yes.

They answered the question for me.

I was having a hard time tying in butterfly garden to the sister cities committee.

And they just explained it that the butterflies go back to the Pasquato Mexico is one of our same as the sister cities commissioner.

Are you or was there a change?

There is still a commission.

And there's a foundation, which is separate.

Okay, thank you.

Thanks.

I'm just trying to get questions.

I guess I don't quite understand how that works together.

So there's the Sister Cities Commission.

There's the foundation.

Do you get funding from the commission or is this completely separate?

Completely, sorry.

No.

The foundation, our organization, and we are a non-for-profit, so we are we raise funds, but they have nothing to do with.

Do you do any connection with them at all?

Or is it completely separate?

I mean the support, yes, but the this is a uh foundation project.

So in other words, your boards are separate.

Yes.

Okay.

No overlap.

What do you mean by overlap?

I'm sorry, so I'm making sure.

Well, are any of the same people on the commission as around the foundation?

Um from my understanding, we are able, and I apologize for this, but I'm not sure what the right term is, but we do have sometimes.

Oh, there we go.

Thank you.

I'm also like I'm the commissioner of Sister City Commission.

Yes, we have two license officers from the commission, two license uh between the commission and the board.

Okay, thank you.

Other questions?

Thank you.

The next speakers are Ganesh Carr and Pali Saragi with D Travels Foundation, application number 58, followed by Chad Pedigo with due page pads.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Uh with your permission, we would like to present uh last year magazine.

Uh sorry we missed the sending the presentation.

So this is our last year magazine.

So my name is Ganeskar, and uh is the Pali.

We are here on behalf of Dravel Foundation, which is 501 C3 nonprofit.

We have been hosting Sodesi Mela, the Indian American Trade Fair in Naperville since 2023.

And next year, it will be our four fourth edition, and we will be hosting this event September 10th, 11, 12, 13 from 10 a.m.

to 10 p.m.

So this emila, so this is mean local homemade product, and Mela means festival.

It is a fun-filled family four-day long event with varieties of to-do things like international food, carnival, sofing, culture, performance, live musical concert, art education, and art workshop, and participation from diverse community as an exhibitors.

Thanks to the support from Sika and the city of Naperville.

This festival has grown into one of the largest outdoor India fair in entire USA.

Bringing together culture, businesses, family, and community for four-day full four-day event.

I would like to share a few highlights for next year.

We plan to expense 400,000 uh for this festival with more culture program, business trade opportunity, and large scale art projects that promote diversity and creativity.

We expect uh we expect first uh more than like hundred exhibitors locally from the Naperville city, different parts of the Illinois and different parts of the US, and also from the international.

Last year we had 40 exhibitors from India and 30 exhibitors from different parts of the state, like Florida, Atlanta, Michigan.

And this year we are expecting the same.

Every evening we host live musical concert with international artists and culture performance, giving a platform to many local culture groups and celebrating the musical uh multicultural spirit of Naperville.

We also provide multicultural concert last year, Seventh Heaven.

That's a local band.

We also uh invited uh them to perform in our event.

We have uh uh last year the when we started this event, we had 8,000 visitor, and last year, in the within a three years, we had 25,000 visitors.

We are sponsoring to bring international artisan who will showcase traditional handicraft hand loom and artwork offering unique educational and cultural experience to our community.

Visitor travel and uh trav travel from different city and state which bring more businesses to the Naperville city.

Thank you so much, and uh with your help, we can make this event great success.

Any question?

Okay, any questions from the commission, Ms.

Could you remind me where is the location for this event?

Yeah, last three years we are doing uh uh parking lot of Mall of India.

This year we are planning to do uh mix like uh metrics insight and parking lot of metrics.

So our concert and the food exhibition will be happening outside of matrix.

All the exhibitors from the different part of the country who are bringing handicraft hand loom art project will be inside of the metrics.

Um Mr.

Sayed.

Sorry, thank you so much.

Uh I have attended your events, couple of events in the last two years.

I have seen yes, culture, definitely music and all those things was there.

And uh my only concern was 25k, 25,000 people.

Do you think that the capacity plan was planned?

And how the other services have been helpful, or do you feel any challenges in that area or how much you are expecting this year?

So this year we are expecting around 30,000 in all four days.

So uh it's basically just because of now we are uh uh the metrics club is also part of this project.

So we are not expecting any challenge on the uh parking uh problem.

But what this year, what we are planning to do, we we are planning to identify a few parking lots, and we will be doing the settle service from that parking lot to our event venue.

And uh, Naperville City and police and our own security are very helpful to manage all the crowd.

Oh, I'm sorry, Miss So.

Yes, um, how much do you charge for entrance fee?

So it's a five dollar multiple entry, kids are free under system.

Okay, and also seems like it's a tray fair, a lot of merchants, people selling products there, right?

And will you be able to get money from them and then to cover some of the operation requests?

Yeah, so we are tied up with the Illinois commercial department, they gave us the uh uh tax code.

So all the exhibitors who are coming from India or different parts of the state, they have the coupon code and they are uh registering how much sales they met and they are paying the sale tax.

So we are just charging them on the space, like participation fee, which is like sixteen hundred dollars per exhibitors for four days, all four days.

Okay.

No, I'm okay.

Um this is um this is quite a big ask for something that is a trade fair with with multiple other possibilities for you know attracting um income.

Yeah.

So last year.

I mean, you you know that SECA, we we give out about a million dollars, and you have seen that we have 86 applicants for that million dollars.

So you know, 144,000 is is a is a big ask.

Yes, so uh last year we asked 180k, uh, but this year we reduce.

We are asking a little less.

So our expense is 400,000 US dollars.

Our 10 costs, four-day stage cost, and light cost uh 10 cost itself is 80,000, fencing, security, and volunteer cost, and all the uh concert, every that all the cost is five, four hundred K US dollar, and we are very new foundation, and we uh all the volunteers are working like you know, eight to six in the corporate world.

They are doing the volunteers.

So we just because of be a new organization and the vision to make this event number one in entire US.

Even though impact, I'll tell you this is the one of the largest India fair entire US.

We have been reached out by many state, Florida and uh California, Seattle.

They wanted to host this event.

So we are putting a lot of effort, but yes, uh amount is asked, I can understand.

But uh, if you guys help us, we we will make sure that this event we will do more Edison and we can make uh Naperville proud in entire not only the entire US, entire world.

Because we have exhibited from Canada, Dubai, India.

Thank you.

I uh I'm sorry, Mr.

Just quick question.

With so many number one event, wouldn't sponsors be easy to get and you can just not even need to seek a funding?

Yeah, so yes, uh, because as I said, we are the new organization.

So when we started this event, we got uh 30,000.

Last year we were uh uh we were uh able to arrange almost 80 to 90,000 sponsorship.

But yes, as we go bigger, we will have that type of business connection and we can get more sponsor.

But uh just because uh this is our fourth year, next year we'll do fourth year.

We are not at this stage that a lot of ex uh corporate companies will come and they can do the sponsor for this event.

But one day it will come, we can get uh good sponsorship.

Ms.

Prasad.

I have a question.

I'm looking at your uh city are the city expenses based on this year's numbers or last year's numbers.

Because most it seems like a lot of the event is going to be inside the matrix club now, so unless and some in the parking lot.

So is are is the 19,000 based on last year's needs or current needs?

Yeah, it's almost last year.

So uh last year it was almost like 19,000.

So we put the same amount of time.

Would those numbers go down if you're no longer?

No, actually, what happened?

We are planning to do concert everything outside.

So we will have the same security requirement from the city.

So you did not contact the fire and police departments this year to see what you would need.

Uh Jack sent us that this is the approved budget for us for the city.

So we just included that.

Their city service estimate was factored in with their or calculated based on their special event application this year.

Okay, thank you.

I think that's it for questions.

Thank you so much.

The next speaker is Chad Pedigo with DuPage Pads, application number 60, followed by Nina Menace with Kids Matter.

So are these these our last our last two?

I believe so.

One more after Nina.

Oh, last three.

You're almost there.

Yes.

Um, thank you for a few minutes of your valuable time and for all of the volunteer time that you put in for the SECA process.

I am with DuPage Pads, and we were invited several years ago to become a partner with uh the Lantern uh because they started this event 10 years ago as a celebration of their 60th anniversary.

It was intended to be a one-time event, and then they found that it brought so much joy to downtown Naperville, and those who participated, they wanted to continue with it.

However, as we've seen, there's been a lot of changes in downtown Naperville, including the bridge construction that has been uh very difficult to host this event given the proximity to it.

So we've been on hiatus the last two years.

Due to that construction and the economic strain of the owners of the lantern, who are now different owners than 10 years ago when the last anniversary was celebrated, they have elected to not be the financial backer and partner of this event.

So I'm here really to just emphasize the point that uh DuPage pads would appreciate having the city services cost cover as we're going to take on this event and be the organizers for it.

Uh, were those services not covered, we most likely won't hold the event.

Uh the rest of the event costs, I think we can manage through sponsorship, and I'm hoping to prove to our board that this is an event that we want to see continue as a tradition in Naperville for a few different reasons.

The most important of which is this event truly allows us to inform, entertain, advocate, and appreciate everyone involved in our mission to end homelessness from the Naperville community, and that is a very large amount of people.

Our largest faith supporters come from the Naperville area of DuPage County.

We have nearly a thousand volunteers with Naperville zip codes here that we invite to come and participate at this event.

It is a traditional block party.

It is one day only.

We are in in the morning, out in the evening.

Uh, on our committee, we have a uh dedicated logistics team that have over 60 years of collective experience in managing downtown festivals in Naperville.

Uh, we partner with the local restaurants there on the block on Chicago Avenue, and we host a really well-executed event with no complaints from our city partners thus far.

Uh, we will continue to take on that responsibility and make this event successful.

And the other small portion that you see uh for that 3500 would ease the burden of us now being the financial backer for the entire event when it comes to the cost of the fencing that is recommended by the city that we work with, the sanitation, the portal that's being made available.

We are also free to access.

So this is open to anyone with a four to five thousand dollar or four to five thousand annual attendee presence.

It is completely accessible.

It is open sidewalks on the streets.

The gates are primarily there because food and beverage is served.

So making sure no one is leaving with an alcoholic beverage.

I'll take any questions.

Thank you for listening.

We appreciate you.

The next speaker is Nina Menace with Kids Matter, application 63, followed by Mondrew Daniel with Indian Nurses Association of Illinois.

Just rolled out the next page okay.

Well, hello, uh good afternoon, everybody.

Um I uh first want to say thank you.

You know, I was thinking uh this morning, I was very excited to come here, but where else really in the country is this going on?

I mean, this is very exceptional.

I love living in Naperville and uh love being a part of the city and a part of uh Kids Matter.

To give you a little bit of quick background, um many of you probably know Kids Matter, but it was started out of Edward Hospital in 1995 when they saw an uptick in young people coming into the emergency room with drug and alcohol issues and suicidal ideation.

Wanted to build a coalition of community members to take a look at a proactive approach in supporting youth and families in our community.

Kids Matter became a separate nonprofit in uh 2001, and still using that same framework of a community coalition to support youth and families.

So I was at the mayor's uh uh breakfast, the breakfast uh that is the state of the city, and we were sitting there with a kids matter team, and a video came on about different people from different cultural backgrounds saying I belong.

I don't know if any of you were there or remember that video, but it had an impact on me, and I thought, well, what can kids matter do in collaboration with the community to support more people feeling like they belong?

And hence games around the world.

So it's been a lot of fun.

Uh, we've had a great time, and we've partnered with many in the community to uh get it accomplished.

It happens the first Sunday in June, and we partner with the park district on their.

You can see it's a kite fly uh event.

Um we are down at kind of the end of the um park, and we have about 14 different tents that uh young people go through to visit different countries and learn about the games that kids play in that country.

So they start at the front table and they pick up a passport, and they go to each booth, and when they go to the booth, they get to play the game, learn about the game from that country, as well as get a flag sticker.

In the middle, the young people have an opportunity to see different world maps and put a sticker on where their family might be from, where they visited, etc.

At the end, when they come through, they hand us their passport, share a little bit about maybe what country was their favorite, and then they get a special prize, a globe.

So they get to take it home.

It's a really a great event.

We partner with a lot of organizations in Naperville, including, of course, the Naperville Park District.

Partner with Almus, DuPage Hispanic Alliance, Sheehan, Napor Settlements, Sister Cities, the uh consulate Moldova was there this past summer.

Uh we've had uh different tents representing time is up.

Sorry, sorry, I think that's a good idea.

Okay, uh questions.

Um I have one.

So quite sure.

These are this is not a um let's see, games around the world.

It is a 10,250 request.

Correct.

Okay, so that's a relatively small request as some of these go.

Um, if you did not get funded, would this be something you could still do?

That's a great question, Judy.

So, yes, if if the funding's smaller, we would just do things a little smaller, but also look for additional support.

Okay.

Um thank you.

Thank you very much.

Appreciate your time.

Hope everybody has a great afternoon.

The final speaker is Manju Daniel with Indian Nurses Association of Illinois, application number 40.

Thank you, and good afternoon, everyone.

So Manju Daniel from Indian Nurses Association of Illinois that was established in 2002.

And uh it has been very active in uh launching many different community activation uh activities uh throughout for uh disease prevention and health promotion.

So this year we started a new program on mental health, well-being and substance abuse prevention.

So this program primarily focuses on youth.

We want them to be equipped with the mental health awareness and uh breaking the barriers of stigma, living with mental health issues, and uh early access to the preventative services.

At the same time, we do want to encourage the collaborative approach, utilizing parents and the community stakeholders to support the youth uh to be the role models of uh for prevention of uh crisis that we see with the mental health issues.

And uh so uh we are hoping for uh this event to be a multipronged uh event with different subcomponents, including educational activities in different languages, uh workshops involving different community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, doing a marathon run, doing art event, doing preparing um uh a toolkit with the community resources readily available in different languages to our youth throughout Chicago land, but using uh Naperville as the central hub.

And uh so throughout all these components, we want to value the generational differences involving people with uh diverse age background so that way uh the values of the older community members, the younger community members are valued, weighted, and addressed to promote the stronger community building.

And at the same time, we also want to use the approach of uh developing a non-monetary community resource that is the people development, and we want to utilize the big brother, big sister, little brother, little sister peering model approach for that.

So uh we are hoping that you know um one life saved, one family crisis saved could have a ripple effect for the community building.

And the motto is that you cannot save all the fish in the sea, but you can still save one that is returned in the water.

So that is our motto, and thank you so much for the opportunity.

I'm open to questions.

And had I known that you were open to the pictures, I would have brought a YouTube video clip for the cultural event that you know our Indian organization does for health promotion activities.

So next time, maybe.

Thank you.

Questions, Ms.

Prasad.

What's the actual event?

I understand that what you're doing, the purpose, but what's the actual so we call it a multi-pronged mental awareness mental health awareness event.

So what we are doing is uh planning the series of the subcomponents of the events, like starting out with the educational packages, reaching out to the different community organizations, faith and non-faith-based organizations, Indian businesses, and doing educational sessions for the youth in different languages, and then educational sessions for the parents.

The main thing is raising awareness about the mental health and breaking the stigma with the for the barriers that we see with mental health issues.

Then other subcomponent will be that we will be doing uh marathon.

Another component will be we are doing an art event.

So uh we also want to utilize even media in the different languages, you know, like WhatsApp is commonly used in Indian populations.

We want to have uh the message get conveyed in different languages.

So we will be using the IT programmer as well.

So these are like you know, different series of events fall under the same umbrella.

The main theme is uh this year we are going to dedicate uh for the community um of mental health awareness and building stronger community with uh different subcomponents of the same event, but we call it multipronged event.

Yeah, go ahead.

Um marathon.

Have you ever organized a marathon before?

We have not, but we have good contacts with people who have done it with other organizations.

So we are hoping to use them as mentors.

Okay.

This goes for uh Miranda and or Jake.

stronger community with the different subcomponents of the same event but we call it multipronged events yeah go ahead um mr marathon have you ever organized a marathon before we have not but we have good contacts with people who have done it with other organizations so we are hoping to use them as mentors okay this goes for uh Miranda and or Jake shouldn't there be a uh city services portion of this we did include in the budget about the permit receiving the permit if we have received a special but I don't see why we did not receive a special event application for um a marathon related to this application with the city of Naper bell so there is no city services estimate and I believe the calendar is closed because I think a marathon will will run up with a nice tab with city services I I don't think you've planned this very well yeah I'm assuming you don't have a marathon date and a route plan do you no so we were just that that's all I just want to ask that's all yeah not not yet not yet thank you yeah so this isn't like the planning process yeah yeah let me um I mean you can talk to staff and they will fill you in on all kinds of of details but what we're saying is there's a calendar for special events it has its own deadlines that precede the CECA deadlines and so people doing a big event like a marathon uh do multiple kinds of applications they have to get a date and and believe me as Mr.

Gannon said a a marathon even a half marathon even a 5k walk um all of those are um involve not only a lot of city services but a huge huge number of volunteers um planning that goes on all year round for one that follows the next year those are huge huge undertakings so um yeah I'm just but thank you for sharing yeah so uh that will be something that the commission will consider as we are um you know creating our allocation recommendations thank you thank you that was the final speaker okay I have some closing comments um thank you to the those of you who are still in the room and to everyone participating in the meeting this morning thank you commissioners thank you applicants and thank you members of the public our next meeting will be if I could have everybody's attention just for the last commissioners if I could have your attention just for the last um minute because the mics pick up sound from from all over um our next meeting will be Thursday December 11th beginning at 6 p.m here in this room commission members will discuss their individual funding recommendations at that meeting and together determine our unified funding recommendation to present to city council the recommendation will go to the city council for final approval after the new year and you can refer to the city of Naperville's website for any updates and information on the SECA grant fund and thank you all again for attending if there are no other questions or other new business the chair will entertain that would be me a motion to adjourn.

I move we adjourn okay we have a motion from Mr.

Gannon do we have a second and I second it Mr.

Sakaria all in favor aye we are adjourned and I will finally use this