B2B support spans decades to benefit KidsMatter

The Naperville-area business community’s support of KidsMatter has long roots within our 25-year history. One great example is the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Team B2B — a longtime supporter of KidsMatter, having adopted our organization for their philanthropic contributions nearly 20 years ago.

But did you know … it all began with bags?!?

That’s right, bags. A bags tournament — first held in 2009 in the parking lot at Cress Creek Plaza, outside of then-KidsMatter Board member Josh McBroom’s office — was the first fundraiser Team B2B hosted to raise funds for local youth. B2B members at the time were nearly all parents, and all felt strongly about KidsMatter’s mission of empowering youth to say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities.

The first bags event was quite informal, but B2B members and KidsMatter supporters — like Tom Trepanier and Michael Ward of Tecta America Illinois Roofing, and local architect Kevin Peterson — remember it fondly.

“It started pretty barbaric. We were horrible at bags, but the event was successful, and we were able to raise money,” Ward said. “The tournament grew, and we held it for several years at different venues, until we decided to begin the EMPOWER Gala to have more of an opportunity to showcase everything KidsMatter does.”

Team B2B members since have become vital members of KidsMatter’s Gala planning team and strong supporters who show their passion for empowering youth in many ways. B2B business leaders frequently showcase job opportunities during the Community Job Fair, donate their professional services for multiple KidsMatter events and programs — and even host field experiences for students during the SpringBoard Summer Series. “I’ve always had a passion for supporting kids, ever since my own youth,” Peterson said. “So Team B2B’s support of KidsMatter has always been a wonderful fit for me, and I’m grateful to be able to show up in support of local youth and families.”

KidsMatter’s purpose always has been about partnerships, forming community connections to help meet the needs of youth and families. This month, we celebrate our B2B partners with sincere gratitude for all the ways they contribute and all the ways they show that KidsMatter to them! Thank you, Team B2B members, for your support!