KidsMatter honors Wheaton teen, entire community of supporters with awards during 25th anniversary EMPOWER Gala

Wesley Freeman receives Limitless Courage Award; community supporters lauded with Kids’ Champion Award for advancing KidsMatter’s mission

NAPERVILLE, IL. — KidsMatter’s 25th anniversary EMPOWER Gala was an occasion all about the collective and communal work the organization has accomplished since 2001 — empowering youth to realize their purpose, build resilience, and pursue meaningful pathways to college and career success. The occasion celebrated the programs and priorities of the past and present, while raising broad community support for a future filled with expanded efforts to build resilient young people, prepared to become the best version of themselves.

Each year, KidsMatter honors a dedicated community supporter with the Kids’ Champion Award to recognize their incredible actions to benefit local youth. This year, the award went to the entire community who gathered in celebration and support of KidsMatter’s mission and vision.

“Tonight we celebrate 25 years of KidsMatter — and each and every one of you,” Dr. Laura Bokar, president of the KidsMatter Board of Trustees, told the crowd of nearly 300 friends, donors and supporters at the Gala on Oct. 24. “Tonight, you are the champions. Each of you has made it possible for young people to feel seen, supported and hopeful about their futures.”

KidsMatter, in partnership with Limitless Health & Wellness and Fox Valley Institute, also presented a special award to a local youth during the Gala, honoring Wheaton North High School junior Wesley Freeman with the Limitless Courage Award. The honor recognizes Wesley for extraordinary courage, perseverance and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward in the wake of a rare spinal stroke suffered this March. The episode has left Wesley paralyzed from the neck down, now working tirelessly with his doctors and therapists toward a goal of walking again.

In addition, former NFL players Shafer Suggs, vice president of the KidsMatter Board of Trustees, and Gemara Williams presented Wesley a plaque and a signed football from the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago. Suggs, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, and Williams, who played for the New England Patriots and was with the team during the Super Bowl in 2008, recognized Wesley during the Gala saying, “you inspire us.”

Several local elected officials attended last weekend’s Gala in support of KidsMatter as well, including Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, 21st District state Sen. Laura Ellman and 11th District U.S. Rep. Bill Foster. Each presented KidsMatter with a special proclamation or recognition to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary and valuable contributions to youth and families in the community.

Following a year of celebrating a quarter-century of positive community impact, KidsMatter plans to make 2027 a year of engagement, CEO & Executive Director Nina Menis said, kicking off a strategic planning process and further connecting with anyone who has a heart for helping kids.

“I’m so proud of the impact we collectively make together, and it’s all about empowering youth,” Menis said during the Gala. “Together, we are dreaming boldly, imagining and building the supports our youth will need in the future to become the best version of themselves.”

The EMPOWER Gala also featured actress, author and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway, in conversation with four KidsMatter leaders — Co-Founder Mary Ann Bobosky, former longtime Executive Director IdaLynn Wehhold and youth participants Tai Ngheim and Tien Ngheim, who have been involved with the Senior High Board and Teen Philanthropy Initiative.

Hemingway said she is “passionate” about KidsMatter’s work because of the organization’s holistic, community-wide vision to ensure kids feel truly heard and encouraged.

“You’re creating ways for kids to understand that there’s hope for the future,” Hemingway said.

For details about KidsMatter programs, visit kidsmatter2us.org/programs. To support KidsMatter’s future efforts to empower youth, visit kidsmatter2us.org/ways-to-give/donate/.

About KidsMatter: Recognized as Naperville’s proactive, youth oriented human service organization, KidsMatter’s mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless possibilities. Established in 2001, KidsMatter has received the Naperville Chamber of Commerce 2014 “NFP of the Year” Award, 2015 “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award” and Illinois Principals Association 2016 “Building School Community Bridges Award” for its work helping young people build developmental assets including positive values, healthy relationships, and self-esteem. With programming focused on preventing problems in the lives of youth before they start, KidsMatter equips youth and families with essential tools to manage the societal pressures and stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources, and youth recognition. A community leader among nonprofits, KidsMatter harnesses the power of partnership with parents, educators, and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.