Third Annual DAAWN Benefit Luncheon

The DuPage Academic Achievement Workgroup Network (DAAWN) is hosting its Third Annual Benefit Luncheon on Saturday, December 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ashton Place, 341 75th Street in Willowbrook, IL. All community members are invited to come celebrate area youth, feast on a delicious meal, learn more about DAAWN programs, and meet our volunteers. There will be entertainment, guest speakers, student performances, and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $35 or $300 for a table of 10 with payment by cash or check made payable to AALR. Tickets may be purchased online through December 6 at www.aalr4success.org and clicking “Tickets”; at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 South Cass in Darien during business hours; and by contacting Kathy Spencer in Darien School District 61 at kspencer@darien61.org or 630-964-5200. Donations and sponsorship can also be made. Proceeds from the luncheon will support academic growth and provide family-friendly outings for students in Darien School District 61 who attend weekly tutoring sessions at St. John Lutheran Church in Darien.

Launched in 2011, DAAWN is the education program of Asserting Achievement, Literacy & Resiliency (AALR) which provides support to students and their parents through a coalition of civic, social, and non-profit organizations; churches; community volunteers; and concerned stakeholders interested in improving the educational outcomes of African American students so they can reach their highest potential and become contributing members of society.

In the past three years, DAAWN has emerged as a premier tutoring program providing opportunities for role modeling, academic growth, cultural learning and awareness, social activities and outings, community service, character building, growth in self-esteem, and responsibility and incentive programs. Over this period, it has seen its enrollment quadruple.

In response to parents who expressed a desire to learn how to better their lives and those of their children, DAAWN initiated the Parent Mentoring Program (PMP). Through coaching, mentoring, and informative workshops on goal setting, budgeting, stress relief, and work/life balance, parents are equipped and empowered to better support their children academically.

To learn more about DAAWN, visit www.aalr4success.org. If you would like to partner with DAWN as a volunteer, contact Amania Drane at niaenterprises1@comcast.net or 630-886-7469.