Not all superheroes wear capes. The theme for this year’s Kyle Shines On fundraiser resonated with 400 supporters last night.
The bi-yearly event was put on by the Kyle Zuleg Foundation, which established in memory of 16-year-old Kyle Zuleg who was fatally struck by a falling tree limb in 2010.
Funds raised go toward scholarships that are awarded to a senior in each Naperville high school plus Benet Academy, who are pursuing a media or communications degree.
“The other mission of the foundation that we’re raising money for tonight is to raise funds for our blanket program,” said Jill Zuleg, Kyle’s mom and co-founder of the foundation. “We have monogramed “forever in our hearts” blankets that we now have in all the Gift of Hope affiliated hospitals in Illinois and northwest Indiana.”
Over $10,000 just for the Gift of Hope blankets program was raised during the event.
“I can’t even describe it, it’s like a big hug around us,” said Zuleg. “There’s people here supporting organ donation, supporting our family, supporting our scholarships, and it’s just an incredible feeling knowing that so many people come out and are supporting our mission.”
Raffles, a silent auction, merchandise, and other fun ways to raise funds were incorporated throughout the night as well.
This was the fourth Kyle Shines On fundraiser for the foundation, with hopes to hold the next one in 2019.
An evening of giving that proves you too can be a hero.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
