Release date: April 5, 2007

DCM Contact: Lynne Jele, Marketing & Membership

Phone: (630) 637-8000 ext. 2600

Naperville, IL: She’s talented. She’s a mom. She lives in Naperville and is one of the many bright staff members at DuPage Children's Museum. Now Oralia Anderson is the recipient of a national 2007 American Graphic Design Award, presented by Graphic Design USA of New York, which has been THE news magazine for graphic designers and other creative professionals since 1963. According to the magazine’s editor, Gordon Kaye, “Competitions have been running for four decades and this year’s response was extraordinary: a record 4000 entries were submitted.”

The contest is open to everyone in the community: advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporate, institutional and publishing in-house departments, and more. It honors outstanding new work of all kinds: print and collateral, packaging and point-of-purchase, internet and interactive design, broadcast and motion graphics, corporate identity and logos. Winners receive an embossed Certificate of Excellence for each piece selected and become eligible for reproduction in Graphic Design USA's Awards Annual, a 300-page edition which will be seen by more than 100,000 readers at ad agencies, graphic design firms, in-house departments and more during the course of the year. The three decade-old competition is sponsored exclusively by Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Anderson received the 2007 American InHouse Design Award for the imaginative invitations she developed for this year’s Imagination Celebration Ball—the DuPage Children's Museum 20^th Anniversary extravaganza and fundraiser that will take place in Downers Grove on the evening of April 21.

Commenting on the award, Anderson said, “The invitation design and design award represent the commitment DuPage Children’s Museum has to design--from the exhibits to the print materials to programs and events, DCM always places great importance on design. The invitation I designed for the Annual Gala developed over time with great support from the Museum event staff and Board. It was a collaborative process that resulted in a unique image that will intrigue the intended audience enough to attend and support the Museum.”

Rosie Sajak, Director of Institutional Advancement at the Museum, comments, “The design of the invitation reflects DCM perfectly! Our mission is to stimulate curiosity, creativity and problem solving in young children and this creative design expresses this, along with the event theme.”

This elegant annual fundraiser is known for its uniqueness and creativity, and will include terrific drawings, an amazing silent auction with a huge variety of items plus an exhilarating live auction.

The invitations have been a beautiful addition to the preparations being made for this very special night. Many DCM staff and volunteers are assisting with remaining preparations. Sponsors helping make the event possible include BP, Door-to-Door Direct, International Truck & Engine Corporation, Harris Bank of Hinsdale, the James L. Moser Foundation, the Boeing Company, Tellabs and Yellow Book USA.

Some 500 guests are expected at this one-of-a-kind, spectacular ball. Costumed characters will delight diners with dazzling entertainment and truly imaginative food service as guests enjoy an elegant five-course dinner featuring great service, food and beverages inside the ambiance of Ashyana Banquets.

Proceeds from the event will provide critical community funding for the Museum. Located in Naperville, DCM relies on donations and sponsorships for over 40% of its budget; these funds support children’s programs and exhibits that reach thousands of children each year.

GRAPHIC DESIGN USA

Since 1963 Graphic Design USA has been the news magazine for graphic designers and other creative professionals. Offices are located at 79 Madison Avenue, Suite 1202, New York, NY 10016. Phone: 212.696.4380. More information can be found at http://www.gdusa.com.

DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM:

DuPage Children’s Museum, a top Chicagoland cultural attraction, is a not-for-profit organization celebrating its 20^th Anniversary in 2007—an imagination celebration of the importance of play, as envisioned by our founders.

On any given day, about 1000 visitors come through the Big Red Door of DuPage Children’s Museum and engage in three floors of open-ended activities. It is a playful, fun environment where children and the important adults in their lives learn and play together in thoughtfully planned “neighborhoods” designed to promote skill development in math, science and the arts.

The Museum depends on donations and sponsorships for over 40% of its budget. Your support helps make a difference in the lives of thousands of children!

Location: 301 N. Washington Street

Naperville, IL 60540

Phone: 630-637-8000

Hours* Monday: 9 am - 1 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm

Thursday: 9 am - 8 pm

Sunday: 12 - 5 pm

*Call for special seasonal hours.

General Admission: $7.50 per person, ages one through 59.

$6.50 per person, ages 60 and over.

Admission is never charged to shop the Explorer Store.

Free Parking. Wheelchair Accessible. Quick walk from Naperville Metra Station.

Annual Memberships: Several types of memberships and gift memberships are available. Please visit http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call 630-637-8000 for more information.

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