Old Town Bank & Trust of Bloomingdale
Old Town Bank and Trust’s philosophy is to partner with organizations that give back to the community. President and spokesperson, Christine D. Smith believes that the Park District helps to promote community involvement and sees investing in it’s continued growth as a way for bank staff to meet great people and to promote volunteering among its employees.

Old Town Bank & Trust of Bloomingdale, a branch of Advantage National Bank opened on May 1 st, 2007 at 165 W. Lake Street. As a hometown bank, Old Town Bank and Trust strives to set itself apart by focusing on community needs. “A family’s financial affairs should be as important to their bank as they are to the family,” says Christine. Old Town Bank and Trust does this by offering products and services designed for the whole family, from children to seniors, very much the same way the park district does.”

“This year, says Christine, we entered into a partnership with the Bloomingdale Park District to sponsor events for all ages, from Halloween Happening to the Winter Carnival, because we care about and believe that it’s important to invest in keeping Bloomingdale safe, healthy, happy and prosperous.”

A local management team, headed by Branch Manager, Susan DiMeo, is committed to reviving the idea of “Hometown Banking at its Best,” by helping local businesses promote community development and by making decisions locally. Most importantly though by considering their clients and neighbors as friends.”

Learn about other volunteering opportunities or community service projects by calling Anita P. Escalante at 630-529-3650 x 38.

Bonnie Vozar
Bonnie Vozar is not one to do things because she hopes to become the center of attention or be made a fuss over. No, Bonnie would much rather focus her attention on helping others connect with tools and resources they need to become self-sufficient and lead fulfilling lives; especially children.

Bonnie has been a Bloomingdale resident since 1997 and recently enrolled her children, three-year old Jessie and Stephen, four, into the Once Upon A Lifetime Preschool at the Bloomingdale Park District. Jessie and Stephen love the preschool experience but when Bonnie noticed that the children wouldn’t have access to classroom computers, she immediately sprang int o action because she knew there was something she could do to about it.

You see, Bonnie Vozar is a member of the board of The Topfer Foundation. This family foundation was formed in the year 2000 with a mission to leave an imprint on communities that would benefit current and future generations.

Working with Sandy Johnson, Director of Recreation, Bonnie fulfilled her mission to help enhance the preschool experience and donated three computers. “Computers help refine motor skills and thought processes,” says Bonnie. “This park district is one of the best around, I volunteer my time to help the kids every Monday in Ms. Karima’s class but I wanted to give additional resources to the children who otherwise may not have access to getting the same kind of competitive edge that other park districts may offer in their preschools.” There is one computer in each preschool classroom, but Bonnie and Ms. Johnson will evaluate these new resources in about a year to determine if additional computers are needed.

Don and Katie Pall
Don and Katie Pall have been residents of Bloomingdale for 14 years and wanted to give something back to the community. So, when the family decided to downsize and were perplexed about what to do with their piano, their dear friend Andrea Gabanski made a suggestion that hit just the right key with the Pall’s. Andrea, who is a Parks Foundation member and long-time resident herself, suggested that the couple donate the piano to the Park District. A few days later, the piano was nicely nestled into its new home at the Johnston Recreation Center where it began readying itself for its musical second act.

“The Recreation department plans to offer piano lessons in the winter, something that hasn’t been possible before this generous donation”, said Sandy Johnson, Director of Recreation. “In addition, some of the Park District’s existing classes may use the piano during class time to add a musical touch for everyone’s enjoyment”.

Donors make tremendous contributions to our park district through their generosity in the provision of trees, benches, supplies, equipment and more! Local Bloomingdale businesses and individuals have sponsored events such as Trek-for-the-Trails, Halloween Happenings, Winter Carnival and other events. Your involvement through sponsorships, donations, volunteering and other means gives you an opportunity to support the Park District. You will be recognized for your efforts, while increasing your sense of community pride and helping others.

Recognition-based giving programs at the Bloomingdale Park District include special recognition opportunities. Some of these program include: The Giving Tree (tree planted in honor of a loved one) and Park Bench (bench installed in park). These gifts include engraved donor plaques. Call 630-529-3650 for details.

For more information about making a donation or sponsorship opportunities, please call Anita P. Escalante, Director of Marketing & Communications at 630-529-3650 or email: aescalante@bloomingdaleparks.org.