Press release courtesy of City of Naperville
Naperville, Ill., is proud to announce “Evan Lysacek Day” on March 26, 2010, when Evan Lysacek, the 2010 Olympic gold medalist in men’s figure skating, will be visiting his hometown of Naperville. Lysacek is also the 2009 world champion, two-time U.S. champion and the Grand Prix Final champion.
“The City of Naperville is thrilled and bursting with excitement in anticipation of welcoming our Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek home!” Mayor Pradel said. “We will join his family, longtime friends and his fans throughout Naperville as we acknowledge his amazing achievements.”
Lysacek will be visiting before he begins a 41-city national tour for America’s premier figure skating production, Smucker’s Stars On Ice, starting April 1, 2010.
Lysacek is also one of the eleven celebrities on ABC’s 2010 Dancing with the Stars.
Lysacek, a 2003 graduate of Neuqua Valley High School, will begin his day with an all-school pep rally from the Wildcats. He will be honored as the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award at Neuqua Valley High School presented by current Principal Bob McBride and Evan’s Principal in 2003, Kathy Birkett, Superintendant of District 204.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon at White Eagle Golf Club for Lysacek with a Proclamation from Mayor Pradel, a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary and receive the official Olympic Commemorative Ring.
“I am looking forward to presenting Evan with the key to the city and a city proclamation declaring March 26, 2010 as ‘Evan Lysacek Day’ in the City of Naperville,” said Pradel.
At 4:00 p.m. there will be a public rally for Lysacek at the base of the Millennium Carillon at Rotary Hill. Public fficials will be there to join Lysacek’s many fans and Mayor Pradel will present Evan with a key to the city.
In case of inclement weather, the rally will be at Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College. An announcement will be made by 3:00 p.m. and will be posted on the city’s Web site at www.naperville.il.us and the Naperville Park District, www.napervilleparks.org.
“Evan Lysacek Day” will conclude with a benefit for the Stephanie Joseph Foundation at 5:00 p.m. Stephanie Joseph, from Naperville, was Evan’s friend and fellow skater who died of a rare cancer at the age of 21. his will be a ticketed reception at Rosebud Restaurant. All proceeds will go to the Stephanie Joseph Foundation. Visit www.stephaniejoseph.com
Hotel Arista , E3 Axess and White Eagle Golf Club are proud sponsors for “Evan Lysacek Day.” The city will not be spending any money on the events. If you are interested in being a sponsor please call Veronica Porter of Porter Presentations at (630) 717-0716.
On March 25 there will also be a reception at Hotel Arista for all Illinois athletes returning from the Vancouver Olympics. Details on that event have yet to be finalized.
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