Barrington Hills home opens for charity event

An 1881 Grant steam locomotive. An 1890 European Eden Palais carousel. The world’s largest theater organ with 8,000 pipes. To experience these treasures of the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills usually requires a personal invitation.

However, on May 21, the estate will open its private doors to the public for the 22nd annual Hearts for Homeless Families’ “The 8th Wonder of the World” dinner and auction.

The evening will benefit Catholic Charities Northwest Regional Services and the New Hope Apartments Program, an innovative, supportive housing program designed to help end the cycle of homelessness for local families. There are 18 New Hope apartments in the Northwest suburbs.

“This event offers the community a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mary Insprucker, Catholic Charities Northwest regional director.

“The Sanfilippo family’s estate and collection are not open to the general public, but a ticket to the ‘The 8th Wonder of the World Tour’ event will let you both experience their extraordinary collections, while at the same time help local families beat homelessness.”

Tickets are $175 per person or $1,650 for a table of 10. The ticket includes a tour, valet parking, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, elegant dinner and auctions emceed by WGN radio host Garry Meier.

For tickets, visit catholiccharities.net/hearts or call (847) 376-2118.