Lemont Park Foundation, Hope and Friendship Partner Up for Holiday Gifts Drive

In the true spirit of the season, the Lemont Park Foundation has reached out to Lemont’s Hope and Friendship Foundation to assist with giving gifts to those in need in the community of Lemont. Along with all that Hope and Friendship provides during the holidays, thirty (30) $50 Lemont Park District gift cards will also be found in Santa’s bag of presents. Additionally, the Lemont Park Foundation made it possible for numerous families to enjoy the Park District’s Annual Breakfast with Santa event by offering to sponsor 40 people to attend this fun-filled, memorable event.

The not-for-profit Lemont Park Foundation was established for the purpose of improving, providing and expanding the Lemont Park District’s parks, programs, facilities and resources to improve the quality of life for community residents. The Foundation is governed by volunteer citizens from the community. One of the goals of the Foundation is to help those in need through the Foundation’s Helping Hand Award Program. This program is designed to assist qualified applicants to participate in a variety of Park District programs ranging from pre-school to youth classes to senior citizen wellness programs. “As Foundation President, nothing gives me more pleasure than being able to assist those that have fallen on hard times and knowing that our efforts can make the difference in a person’s life at any age,” stated current Foundation President Glenn Pasiewicz.

Along with Lemont Park Foundation’s Helping Hand Program, the Foundation offers a Memorial Tree and Bench Program where friends and family can provide a unique dedication to loved ones by placing a tree or bench in one of the beautiful Lemont Park District parks. This historical dedication provides a lasting remembrance in honor of a loved one and enhances the meaning of a tree or bench to observers or park patrons.

The Park Foundation raises funds and donations through a number of events including sponsoring the beer garden at the annual Park Districts’ Independence Day Extravaganza held on July 3rd at Centennial Campus, the annual Golf Outing and other events throughout the year. “To date, I am proud to say over $50,000 has been raised all for the good of the community,” said President Pasiewicz.

After five years of dedicated service, unfortunately Glenn will be stepping down from the Lemont Park Foundation as of December 31st to assume his new role as Executive Director of the Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce. “A long-time resident of Lemont, Glenn has been an instrumental member of the Lemont Park Foundation. His efforts in growing the organization and streamlining the group’s efficiency have been much appreciated,” stated Lemont Park District Executive Director, Louise Egofske. If anyone is interested in joining, donating or assisting the Park Foundation, please contact the Lemont Park Foundation liaison, Carrie Dellamano, Sales and Marketing Director at the Lemont Park District, at 630-257-6787, extension 3012, or by email at carrie-dellamano@lemontparkdistrict.org.