Inaugural Volapalooza Inspires Volunteer Community

On May 10, community members, volunteers and the nonprofits they serve celebrated the spirit of volunteerism at the inaugural Volapalooza: A Celebration of Volunteerism at the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center.  

Nearly 300 people attended, and listened to live music, renowned speakers, videos, photos and stories about the contributions volunteers make in DuPage County.

Attendees listened to songs by The West Towns Chorus (www.westtowns.org), a premier men's singing group based in Downers Grove.  As an all volunteer organization, The West Towns Chorus' four part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style was a perfect fit for Volapalooza.  Guests also of watched videos submitted by high school students that explained why they volunteer, where they volunteer and what they love about volunteering.  The contest, sponsored by Giving DuPage (www.givingdupage.org) and DeVry University (www.devry.edu), was won by Jamie Randell, a freshman at Naperville North High School, with a submission entitled "Super Volunteer."  

Attendees heard from Deloris Jordan, mother of NBA star Michael Jordan and president of the James R. Jordan Foundation. Jordan shared her experiences working with volunteers through the James R. Jordan Foundation which is dedicated to strengthening families, motivating youth and ensuring high quality academic opportunities for children in underserved communities.  She thanked all of the volunteers in attendance for their selfless service to the community.

The final highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. Sponsored by Harris Bank, The DuPage Community Foundation (DCF), and various private donors, the Spirit of Volunteerism Award was created to recognize not-for-profit organizations in DuPage County that have benefitted from extraordinary volunteer leadership.  Three groups - CASA of DuPage County, Inc.; People's Resource Center; and DuPage Senior Citizen's Council - were awarded $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000 grants respectively. 

"The economic challenges over the past few years have forced not-for-profit organizations to become more creative in their utilization of resources.  As a result, volunteers have played an increasingly integral role in helping these organizations better serve their constituents," said David M. McGowan, president of The DuPage Community Foundation. "When a donor approached us with the idea for Volapalooza and the Spirit of Volunteer Awards, we knew DCF had to be a part of it."