February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 56

Park Bench
Partnering for Impact
On September 15, 2024, Lake Ellyn Park came alive with the Glow in the Park Lantern Walk, a vibrant celebration of community
and creativity. Hosted by the Glen Ellyn (Illinois) Park District in partnership with the Charlie's Corner Foundation, the park was
transformed into a mesmerizing display of light and color.
Brendan Cavanagh, founder of the Charlie's Corner Foundation, approached the Glen Ellyn Park District with the idea of creating
a family-friendly event in memory of his son, Charlie. Inspired by a similar event in Suwanee, Georgia, the Lantern Walk began
in 2017 and has since become a cherished tradition. Each year, this heartwarming event supports the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. To date, the Lantern Walk has raised more than $25,000 for this vital
cause through lantern kit sales, donations and sponsorships.
The celebration featured live music, engaging activities and the highlight of the evening: the lantern walk. Glenbard West High
School's marching band kicked off the walk, and the League of Enchantment, a 501(c)(3) " causeplay " organization based in
Chicago, added a touch of magic with volunteers dressed as beloved characters. Their involvement showcased how local groups
contribute to the festivities and enhance the community experience. Participants of all ages carried decorated paper lanterns, lit by
LED lights, along the lake path, creating a captivating display. Lanterns ranged from playful monsters to sports-themed designs.
Attendees could craft their lanterns at home with a kit or decorate one on-site.
" The Lantern Walk is more than just an event; it underscores the strength of our community and our shared dedication to making
a positive impact, " says Cavanagh.
The Lantern Walk is part of the Glen Ellyn Park District's broader commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.
Beyond this event, the district partners with local organizations for fundraisers, such as a dance fitness event for The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation, a toy drive with costumed characters for Toys for Tots, dog events for Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy,
food drives for the Glen House Food Pantry, and an annual sock drive for the People's Resource Center. Additionally, the district
collaborates with the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation to fund the scholarship program.
These initiatives foster community spirit and offer residents opportunities to connect, have fun and contribute to meaningful causes
through strong community partnerships.
- Courtney O'Kray, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications, Glen Ellyn (Illinois) Park District
The Glen Ellyn (Illinois)
Park District's Glow in
the Park Lantern Walk
supports the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit at
Ann & Robert H. Lurie
Children's Hospital of
Chicago.
56 Parks & Recreation | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 5 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEN ELLYN (ILLINOIS) PARK DISTRICT

February 2025 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2025 – Parks & Recreation

February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - Intro
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - Cover1
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - Cover2
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 1
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 2
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 3
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 4
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 5
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February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - Cover3
February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - Cover4
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2025
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2025
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2021
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