Turning Pointe foundation’s pumpkin race set for Oct. 25
The Naperville Pumpkin Race to support programs at the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Rotary Hill Park, 440 Aurora Ave.
Participants can design and race their own “pumpkin racer” in a head-to-head, bracket-style competition, a news release said. The day’s activities will also include a costume contest, pumpkin decorating challenge, bubble art, face painting and food vendors.
Trophies and awards are presented for the fastest racers, best-decorated pumpkins and standout costumes, the release said.
Turning Pointe also sells pumpkin race kits for $25 to host races at home. Each is crafted by adults employed by the foundation’s vocational programs, which provides work opportunities and independence, the release said.
Money raised supports programs and services that educate individuals with autism to help them build confidence and meaningful skills. For more information, go to turningpointeautismfoundation.org/pumpkin-race.
Foster to donate paycheck to Northern Illinois Food Bank
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, announced Friday he would donate his congressional pay earned during the government shutdown to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The congressman previously donated his paycheck to the food bank during shutdowns in 2013 and 2019, his office said.
“It is unacceptable that federal employees are going without a paycheck, health insurance costs are skyrocketing and families are seeing SNAP benefits threatened while House Republicans stay out on vacation and refuse to come back to Washington and negotiate a bipartisan funding bill,” Foster said in a news release.
He will continue donating his pay to the food bank until the government is reopened, the release said.
NCTV’s Elizabeth Spencer to receive Kids’ Champion Award
KidsMatter has named Elizabeth Braham Spencer, executive director of Naperville Community Television 17, as this year’s Kids’ Champion Award.
She will receive the award at the organization’s 2025 Empower Gala to be held from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville, 1823 Abriter Court.
Spencer was selected for her commitment to the Naperville community, her support of KidsMatter and dedication to empowering youth, a KidsMatter news release said.
She has been with Naperville Community Television for 23 years and helped start its website, the release said. She also launched an internship program for high school and college students to provide hands-on mentoring to young journalists.
The Empower Gala celebrates KidsMatter’s 25th anniversary and includes a special appearance by actress, author and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway.
For more information, go to kidsmatter2us.org/empower.
Fry Family YMCA offering reduced membership for young adults
Fry Family YMCA in Naperville is offering a $50 a month membership for young adults ages 19 to 26 through the end of 2025, YMCA officials said.
The membership fee to the 2120 W. 95th St. facility includes no fee to join and is designed to help young adults in college, starting careers or living independently access affordable fitness, wellness and community spaces, a news release said.
Updated pricing applies to both new and existing members. Membership rates for existing young adult members will be adjusted automatically, the release said.
For more information, go to www.ymcachicago.org/membership-options.