'Empower' Gala In Naperville To Feature Horace Grant, Honor Ray McGury

NAPERVILLE, IL — KidsMatter's 2022 Empower gala will not only raise funds for to help empower children, it will recognize former Naperville Park District Director and feature an appearance by Horace Grant, formerly of the Chicago Bulls.

The event will be held Sept. 23 at the Chicago Marriott in Naperville, where McGury will be given the Kids' Champion Award.

Of McGury, KidsMatter Executive Director Nina Menis said in a statement, "Ray has been a great leader focused on supporting young people, both in his capacity as Park District Executive and in his policing career."

Menis added, "He had been a valued and insightful advisor to KidsMatter and a champion for the well-being of kids throughout our community. There have been many times when we know he has gone above and beyond for kids. This honor is our way of recognizing his tireless dedication to ensuring kids are safe and mentally and physically healthy."

Edward-Elmhurst Health and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health will also be recognized at the gala. They will be given KidsMatter's Empower Partnership Award for their help funding programming that will provide resources to children interested in pursuing careers in mental health or pharmacy.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to combine our efforts to ensure youth have the tools they need to ensure mental health with an opportunity to enhance our commitment to helping youth find paths to careers that are meaningful to them," Menis said.

The following day, Grant will lead a workshop on mental health fitness for students and coaches.

Individual tickets to Empower are $150. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click the link for more information on Empower tickets and sponsorship.

What: KidsMatter Empower Gala 2022

When: Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.; cocktail reception at 6 p.m.

Where: Chicago Mariott Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville