The FUN Raisin' Party at the brand new Ashwood Clubhouse moved Naperville Responds forward in a big way by raising funds and pledges of more than $400,000. We'd hoped this event would put the right group of people together to help us build two additional homes. Our goal has been 10 homes by the second anniversary of when Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. But thanks to the spirit of the occasion and generosity that couldn't be predicted, Naperville Responds pretty much nailed the fundraising campaign.

Here are the details about the Naperville Responds event that attracted some 250 revelers.

6 p.m., Sat., June 23 - THE FUN Raisin' Party will be among grand opening festivities at Ashwood Park Clubhouse, located along 248th Ave., south of 95th Street. THE Party will benefit Naperville Responds. Fox Valley Winery will provide a wonderful sampling of fine wines. National City Mortgage will sponsor Howl and the Moon Dueling Pianos. Sue Wehrli, Joe Modaff and Ray Kinney will be on hand to provide many of the howls, laughs and fundraising opportunities as guests duel to raise enough money to build another house or two in Pass Christian.

Other details

Ron Wehrli set up a huge tent alongside Ashwood Clubhouse to host the party in his new development south of 103rd Street along 248th Ave.

Natalie Booras and Karen Maxam at Crestview Builders and volunteers Roxanne Lang and I were the pre-planning committee who put together the committee.

The committee was comprised of Sue Wehrli, Ray Kinney (auctioneer extraordinaire ), Lloyd Krumlauf, Darlene Schluter, Joe Modaff, Tom Falcone and Hossein Jamali, Ruth Anne Balgro and other folks at Meson Sabika, the caterer for the evening.

Ray Kinney who always steps up to make things work in a big way when he takes the microphone---and even when he doesn't---was there to raise more than $70,000 from 15 live auction items!

Gene Drendel, Brad McGuire and Sue Wehrli were great spotters---they got the crowd bidding up, up, up.

Many people not mentioned here lent a hand in some way to throw the party.

And of course, we appreciated the givers of the auction items (posted online) and to nearly 250 guests who gave $100 to attend the party and all fundraising beverages were $5 each, purchased by tickets!

At first, everyone was stunned when Bill Brestal announced that someone in attendance had given a $300,000 anonymous gift.

Then "We did it!" resonated after Bill's announcement.

In addition, Teresa and Nick Ryan and Jack Persin pledged a huge commitment via Ryan Hill Realty that will grow with matching funds.

Though it's unofficial, gifts and pledges are expected to be more than $400,000 in one evening! Some even guessed $450,000.

Now we can fund our commitment of 20 homes and figure out other ways to help their economy down along the Gulf Coast in true domestic Partner City fashion.

This experience has been a very emotional ride for many of us---especially those of us who have taken the trip to Pass Christian. (And to think, The Pass is just one of many places in the world that needs much help!)

The passions and faithful lives of the people down there along the Gulf Coast will always fill our hearts with hope for better times.

Pass Christian residents Rosetta Daniels and Wayne Ford were in attendance along with Rotarian D.H. Short (our original contact who worked with us to make this happen) and Kathie Short.

With joyful tears, Rosetta and Wayne expressed gratitude as recipients of the first two homes. Wayne just couldn't believe Naperville!

We are so blessed to live in such a generous and caring community. Thanks all!

Stephanie Penick
Naperville Responds

Allegro!!! String Ensemble Group dazzled the crowd of 250 guests with their upbeat sounds and choreography.		Imagine an ensemble of young string musicians dancing and changing costumes while they perform!
For more information about Allegro!!! and other ensemble groups, visit www.wsste.com and contact Director Ed Kreitman at (708) 246-9309 or (630) 420-9309 and leave a message in mailbox Number 1.		Auctioneer Extraordinaire Ray Kinney helped raise more than $70,000 from 15 items. What fun!
David Byrne, Gene Drendel (background) and Sue Wehrli help spot the bidders during the live auction.		Bill Brestal, Nick Ryan, Teresa Ryan and Jack Persin talk about a matching pledge opportunity offered by Ryan Hill Realty that likely will build two more homes.
Naperville Responds Co-Founder Ron Wehrli thanks the revelers for their bids!		Naperville Responds party planners, board members and folks from Pass Christian, Miss., say "Thanks."
Diane Persin is the new owner of Mississippi, a special puppy donated to the live auction by Naperville Responds Co-Founder Bill Brestal.		Mayor George Pradel enjoyed every minute of the 1-hour performance by Allegro!!!
Volunteers provided service with a smile for a fun raisin' good time.		Pass Christian resident Wayne Ford, who lost everything during Hurricane Katrina in most unusual circumstances, expressed his gratitude to the Naperville community for making it possible for him to rebuild.
When Pass Christian resident Rosetta Daniels, center, saw photos in a Daily Herald feature story about Naperville Responds, she exclaimed, "There I am. And there are my kids. I miss them!" Rosetta Daniels and Wayne Ford were recipients of two of the first three Naperville Responds homes, all three of which were dedicated by the Mennonites and the Rotary Club of Pass Christian on August 17, 2006.		Naperville Responds Co-founder Bill Brestal is appreciated by Wayne Ford of Pass Christian.
Spotter Gene Drendel, Mayor George Pradel and Sharon Drendel take a break during the live auction.		Just for the fun of it, dueling pianos entertained under the name of Howl at the Moon.