A very special event that raised funds for Foundation programs in 2005 and 2006 is Stars of the Valleys: A Celebration of the Performing Arts. This event showcased the vocal, instrumental, dance, comedic, and theatrical talents of students from Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley High Schools.

Each year, there were about 15 student performances - everything from piano and violin solos to dance routines and rock/country/blues vocals. Also, serving as master of ceremonies was WGN Radio personality Steve Cochran, who resides in District 204 and is a vocal champion of our students' accomplishments.

Lead sponsorship of this event was provided by Carriage Club of Naperville at Naperville Crossings, A Unique Senior Living Community. In addition, supporters included Canna & Canna Ltd., Christopher B. Burke Engineering West, Dommermuth Brestal Cobine and West, Ltd., DTI of Illinois, Fry Properties, Garofalo, Schreiber, Hart, & Storm, Chtd., Gilbane Building Company, Harris Bank, J. Alan & Nancy Fry, J.G. Rock, Inc., James, Gustafson & Thompson, Ltd., Oxford Bank & Trust, STR Partners, and Whitt Law.

Also sponsoring Stars of the Valleys have been Benefit Brokers & Consultants, Bob & Chris Biedron, Citizens Federal Services, Howard & Jane Crouse, Imagetec/Lee Pietrowski, Kent & Kathy Duncan, Naperville Development Partnership, RMK Management, and Stew's Barbershop.

Although these on-stage productions were successful and well-received by the public, they currently are on hold due to scheduling conflicts at both high schools (the students are involved in many, many practices and performances). However, the Foundation is hopeful that this annual talent showcase can be resumed in the near future.

In addition, the Foundation has sponsored many concerts and other special events that have raised funds for IPEF programs. For example, there have been performances by nationally known entertainers such as the Count Basie Big Band, Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band, the Northern Illinois Jazz Band, the Mamas and the Papas, magician Andy Dallas, and the comedy/improv group, Second City National Touring Company.