Meet this year’s Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives Honorees!

On Friday, April 26, Bridge Communities will celebrate the women of DuPage County and their commitment to the community. Their incredible gifts of time, talents and treasure will be recognized, as well as their efforts to make our communities a better place for homeless families. Our Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives Spring Luncheon honors women with ties to DuPage County, and thanks them for their courage and philanthropy. Read on to meet the following remarkable women we’ll recognize this year:

In 1989, Becky Beilfuss learned about Greater DuPage MYM (now known as Teen Parent Connection), an organization supporting teenage mothers and their children. A teen mother herself, she began volunteering to support young women who were now beginning their own parenting journey.  Becky has volunteered and worked with Teen Parent Connection for nearly three decades, creating a brighter future for thousands of young adults. She now serves as Executive Director. Becky has received several humanitarian awards, and also serves as co-chair of the Healthy Families Illinois Policy and Advocacy Committee and on the Executive Committee of Healthy Families Illinois. We are thrilled to honor her with the Transforming Lives Award.

Six years ago, Nydia Rivera Paterkiewicz was staying in a women’s shelter with her three daughters after fleeing domestic abuse. But once they were welcomed into Bridge Communities, they began to rebuild their lives. While in the program, Nydia completed her associate’s degree, worked with the employment team and found a fantastic job, and healed from the traumas of homelessness. Today, Nydia and her new husband Steve are proud to be homeowners, and give back to Bridge Communities through advocating for homeless families, fostering the pets of families in the Bridge program, and hiring Bridge clients to work in their family business. We are honored to recognize Nydia with the Life Transformed Award.

Returning to emcee the luncheon will be Emmy-winning journalist Judy Hsu. An integral part of the ABC7 news team since 2001, Judy joined Alan Krashesky as co-anchor on the 6 PM Evening News in 2018, and continues to co-anchor the 4 PM News with Rob Elgas. In addition to her anchor responsibilities, Judy hosts a long-format interview segment on Sunday mornings called “Newsviews.” Judy hosted the Sleep Out Saturday rally for Bridge Communities in 2015, and warmly welcomed supporters of Bridge again at our last three Spring Luncheons. Judy resides in the western suburbs with her husband and four children.

Tickets are now available for this very special event! Click here to purchase your ticket or table today. We’ll see you on April 26!

 

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