Politics & Government

Hundreds Attend Dolly McCarthy Day Celebration

Written by Patch blogger Paul P

Mayor A. George Pradel proclaimed Friday, March 21, as “Dolly McCarthy Day” in Naperville, recognizing the Northern Illinois University alumna’s years of service to the Naperville area and nonprofit organizations.

The proclamation reads: “Dolly is a voice for countless not-for-profits. She helps them by consistently giving them a platform to broadcast their message and encourage more service and caring in the Naperville community…”

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Dolly McCarthy was honored Friday evening at the Chicago Marriott Naperville. Approximately 200 attended the event, which benefited local charities and included hors d’oeuvres from Braconi's, raffles, live music by Love & Money, and more. Proceeds from all raffle and ticket sales were donated to Bike Bald, Kidz Kabaret, Naperville CARES, and Operation Support Our Troops America.

“There are certainly countless others in the community that are more deserving of this honor,” said McCarthy humbly. “If I can contribute to their (not-for-profits) success in some small way by giving them a voice, to call attention to their mission and the things they do in the community, that is what is truly important.”

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According to the mayor’s proclamation, McCarthy “continues to exemplify all that is good about Naperville, and is a trusted and friendly face on Chicagoland TV; and

“Dolly is a positive voice for our community, its not-for-profits, businesses, families, military and veterans through her volunteer work, her emcee and hosting roles, and her dedication to highlighting all that is good within our community…”

McCarthy is an award-winning journalist who joined CLTV as an anchor in August 2011. She began her career as a news writer, producer and anchor at WCIU-TV, Chicago, after receiving her bachelor’s degree from NIU in Broadcast Journalism.

“The Dolly McCarthy Show” radio show, which can be heard on 89.9 FM in Chicago, SLAM Internet Radio, and BlogTalkRadio.com, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and 50th broadcast and featured Mayor Pradel as one of the guests. Listeners can tune into “The Dolly McCarthy Show” on their computers, on their smartphones, and internet-radio-equipped vehicles, as well as via traditional radio on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Prior to CLTV and her radio show venture, McCarthy was the face of “Naperville News 17” on Naperville Community Television for six years.  She worked at NCTV-17 as an anchor, reporter and political host. She also worked as a reporter and anchor at WTVO in Rockford.

“My experiences at NIU, the things I learned from my professors and mentors on campus, helped shape who I am today,” McCarthy continued, recalling a story she did on a DeKalb area P.A.D.S. shelter. “The real world experience I gained working live nightly newscasts at the Northern Television Center prepared me for a career in broadcast journalism and taught me the value of teamwork and service.”

A mother of five—including a son who plans to attend NIU in the fall, McCarthy is actively involved in many charitable organizations including The Duchene Muscular Dystrophy Association, 360 Youth Services, P.A.D.S. and the Community Career Center. She is also a frequent speaker and emcee for many fundraising events including the American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Naperville Women’s Club, 360 Youth Services, Naperville Independent Film Festival, Rally For Ryan, DuPage Children’s Museum, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.  She still hosts Naperville’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.


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