August 30, 2007


Ambassador helps 'dream the possible dream'
Consul general of Spain pays Naperville a visit

By Emily McFarlan Staff writer, Naperville Sun

No one was quite sure what it opened, but Ambassador Javier Ruperez, consul general of Spain in Chicago, was presented a key to the city at the Community Career Center's "Dream the Possible Dream" fundraiser Wednesday evening.

"I don't know what I will open with this. I would be very pleased and honored if that would be enough to open your hearts," Ruperez said as he accepted the key from Mayor George Pradel.

The "Man of La Mancha"-themed event marked Ruperez's first party function as consul general and first visit to the Chicago suburbs since taking over the position as the Consulate General of Spain in Chicago about a month ago.
More than 200 people, including several City Council members and state legislators, attended the center's 11th annual fundraiser, which drew its inspiration from its setting at Meson Sabika. The evening featured a silent auction and raffle, a variety of Spanish tapas and performances by a Spanish classical guitarist and flamenco dancer.

"Part of my possible dream came true when my invitation was accepted by His Excellency," said Community Career Center Board member Kevin Dolan, who emceed the fundraiser.

Ruperez said he had "very good reasons" to attend, as he has heard good things about Naperville and wanted to visit the suburb. He also strongly believes in the Community Career Center's mission.

"I feel very much in solidarity and brotherhood with the idea of the possible dream," Ruperez said.

The center, at 1971 Gowdey Road, offers free technical assistance and personal support to area residents searching for jobs or changing careers. The cost of one $57 ticket to the fundraiser will cover the unlimited access to the center's resources for one job seeker.

"That's what we try to do - get people to dream the possible dream," Dolan said.

Ruperez said he also was attracted to the event by its theme. The song "The Impossible Dream" was popularized by the Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha," which tells the story of Don Quixote.

"I am the Man from La Mancha myself," Ruperez said. "I was born in Madrid and raised in Madrid, but my background is in La Mancha."

The mayor also named him an honorary citizen of Naperville - and unlike the key to the city, it was clear what this honor meant.

"The neat thing about being an honorary citizen is you have every right that we have as citizens of Naperville, except you don't have to pay any taxes," Pradel said.

Ruperez said he was "pretty overwhelmed" by his welcome to Naperville.

"Now I understand why Chicago is the 'second city,'" he said.