The season of giving is near, and more than 50 Elmhurst businesses are celebrating with inaugural event, Arte at Nite: Food for Life.
From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 10 percent of proceeds at participating locations will go to the United Community Concerns Association, which provided food to more than 240 Elmhurst families last year.
Roz Long, who founded the Elmhurst Art Museum’s Art in the Park, began organizing the fundraiser in August.
“I’ve always worked with the arts and always wanted to do something with giving back,” she said. “We’re so impressed with the outreach from the merchants, with the people wanting to donate.”
Art contributed from both local artists and those throughout the Chicago area will be on display at numerous venues including the Elmhurst Public Library, Fitz’s Pub, Park Place and Elijah’s Specialty Coffee and Tea, among many others.
Long said the extensive contacts she and the event’s steering committee had were the reason so many local businesses are participating.
“I used to be the marketing director for the City Centre, so we’re not strangers to these merchants,” she said.
Local dermatologist David S. Pezen underwrote and sponsored Arte for Life, providing a serious boon to the event.
In addition to financial support, Pezen’s office is also accepting food donations up until the event.
“Not only does Pezen certainly have interest in Elmhurst as a whole, as well as a personal interest in the arts, this event just seemed to be a very good fit in terms of need in community and a timely effort to get people involved,” Pezen spokesperson Alma Jones said.
Jones said at this time of year, donations are crucial for families who may not be able to afford gifts on their own.
“There are people in our community that can benefit from the generosity of others and just a little bit of help can make a big difference with a lot of people,” she said.
