West Suburban Philanthropic Network

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

What an inspiring morning! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the honorees for the 2026 WSPN Philanthropy Awards!

We had tons of smiles, a few tears, plenty of positive energy, and a few surprises (see below for Philanthropic Leadership Award and President's Award).

Congrats again to the Honorees:

- Philanthropist of the Year: Laurie McMahon, nominated by Child’s Voice
- Philanthropic Leadership Award: Mary Keating
- Humanitarian of the Year: Erica Nelson, nominated by Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center
- Young Philanthropist of the Year: Kendall Tai Nghiem, nominated by Kulchitt Toy Vilaichitt
- Grantmaker of the Year: Nanette Silva of Community Memorial Foundation, nominated by DuPage Health Coalition and many others
- Philanthropic Foundation of the Year: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, nominated by the City of Aurora
- Philanthropic Service Club of the Year: The Clarendon Hills Lions Club, nominated by People's Resource Center
- Philanthropic Business of the Year: Mesón Sabika, nominated by DuPagePads
- Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Geri Kerger, CEO, NAMI DuPage nominated by NAMI DuPage and DuPagePads
- Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year: Cindy Blaszak, nominated by Brookfield Zoo
- WSPN President's Award: Chad Pedigo

Here are a few pictures from our cell phones -- official photography is on the way and will be posted ASAP!

08/27/2026

We are proud to announce Mary Keating as the West Suburban Philanthropic Network’s 2026 Philanthropic Leadership Award recipient! 🎉

The Philanthropic Leadership Award is one of WSPN’s most coveted honors—an award so significant that it has been rested in recent years, reserved for those rare individuals whose leadership and impact truly call for its return.

Mary is that leader.

Through decades of visionary public service, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening DuPage County, Mary has transformed the way our community supports individuals and families. Her ability to build partnerships, inspire collaboration, and create lasting change embodies the very best of philanthropic leadership.

It is our privilege to bring this distinguished award back in Mary’s honor and celebrate a leader whose impact will be felt for generations.

Please join us in congratulating Mary Keating, WSPN’s 2026 Philanthropic Leadership Award recipient!

08/20/2026

From uplifting the mission of Child's Voice to Boy Scouts to DuPage Foundation, Laurie McMahon’s leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment have made a lasting difference in countless lives. She embodies the true spirit of philanthropy through her selfless service, compassionate support, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed.

We are pleased to honor Laurie as Philanthropist of the Year at the WSPN Philanthropy Awards on August 27.

Join us => https://www.wspnonline.org/WSPN-Philanthropy-Awards

08/18/2026

Join us as we honor Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley (CFFRV) as Philanthropic Foundation of the Year at the 2026 WSPN Philanthropy Awards on August 27!

CFFRV plays a unique role as both a steward of charitable resources and a connector across the community. The foundation is more than a grantmaker or scholarship provider. It is a steady, local partner in building a generous, vibrant, and resilient community in the western suburbs.

We appreciate what they do in the community, as well as thank them for supporting WSPN as presenting sponsor of the awards!

Tickets => https://www.wspnonline.org/WSPN-Philanthropy-Awards

08/17/2026

Join WSPN for the Fall Program Series: Defining Your Culture of Philanthropy - Shared Ownership for Greater Impact Through Curiosity, Purpose and Partnership on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Marjory Lewe-Brady, LCSW, and Joie Frankovich, LCSW MPH will help participants:

- Ground their work in the organizations' values and “why”
- Explore strategies to lead with curiosity to deepen and strengthen relationships with programs and funders
- Identify spaces in their work to intentionally elevate shared ownership of the work

Registration is now open => wspnonline.org/events

08/14/2026

As the founder of En Español, Kendall Tai Nghiem created a nonprofit focused on expanding access to language, literacy, and leadership opportunities for underserved communities. He is not only a leader who serves—he is someone who builds trust, creates opportunity, and leaves a lasting impact on the people around him.

Hear more about his inspiring story as we honor him as Young Philanthropist of the Year at the WSPN Philanthropy Awards on August 27!

Tickets => https://www.wspnonline.org/WSPN-Philanthropy-Awards

08/12/2026

For more than 75 years, Clarendon Hills Lions Club (CLHC) has served DuPage County with consistent compassion and creative collaboration. Their unwavering dedication has elevated local giving and inspired transformative change throughout DuPage County.

We are pleased to honor CLHC as Philanthropic Service Club of the Year at the WSPN Philanthropy Awards on August 27.

Join us => https://www.wspnonline.org/WSPN-Philanthropy-Awards

08/10/2026

There's still time to register!

Connect with others in WSPN during the Welcome Gathering on Friday, Aug. 14 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM!

Register today for this virtual event at www.wspnonline.org/events!

08/10/2026

Head to Brookfield Zoo, and you'll most likely run into Cindy Blaszack volunteering wherever she can, whenever she can! The Zoo says Cindy has done so much to strengthen the community of conservation leaders, anticipate where programs need assistance, and inspire others with her "can do" spirit.

Learn more about her impact at the Zoo and beyond -- join us as we honor her as Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 WSPN Philanthropy Awards on August 27.

Tickets => https://www.wspnonline.org/WSPN-Philanthropy-Awards