Your news Catholic Charities holds benefit gala
Submitted by Barbara Marinelli
More than 200 guests assembled at Knollwood Club recently for the 22nd annual benefit, “The Art of Caring,” a gala that supports Catholic Charities services in Lake County.
The event was hosted by the Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Lake County, headed by President Mary Carlson of Lake Forest, along with Honorary Chair Couple Ralph and Mary Gesualdo of Lake Forest.
The theme for the event this year was “Inspiring Hope.” Guests enjoyed a reception, cocktails, appetizers and dinner. Live auction items included a guided tour of historic Crab Tree Farm with a catered lunch or dinner for 12; Ultimate Guy’s Garage Party for 50, with a presentation by Paul J. Burt; and a tour of the Driehaus Estate in Lake Geneva for 22 aboard a mini coach.
Silent auction items included a Florida Beach adventure; sunset sailboat cruise; and a backyard summer fest. Wine for the event was donated by Louis Glunz Wines Inc. Music entertainment was provided by the Chris Lambert Trio.
Anne Lazar and Cathy Lynch of Lake Forest co-chaired the event. The event committee included Julie Greene, Carol Gillig, Jean Eischeid, Liz Gurza, Ginny Primack, Ann Patterson, Karen Ernst, Maureen Griffith, Mary Ellen Mason, Vera Purcell, Jeanne Burke, Barbara Marinelli, Maggie Logan, Paulette Jurek, Julie Palella and Mary Ann Moschner of Lake Forest, and Arline Matthei and Patty Charhut of Lake Bluff.
The Irene Leahy McMahon Award was presented to Alisun Blanda of Lake Bluff by last year’s recipient, Jean Morse. This award is presented each year to a member who has given unselfishly of her time and talent to the activities of the Women’s Board and to Catholic Charities.
During the last fiscal year, Catholic Charities Lake County Services assisted 36,694 persons in need with food, clothing, shelter, employment programs and counseling and case management services in numerous comprehensive programs.
Because of this support, many families were rescued from poverty and restored to dignity and self-sufficiency and a better life.
All the proceeds from the event directly support Catholic Charities Programs in Lake County, including Children and Family Services (Adoption and Maternity Counseling); Community Casework (Emergency Assistance, Housing and Budget Counseling and HIV/Case Management); Samaritan House; Family Self Sufficiency Programs; SAFE Housing Services (Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Sites); and the Christ Gift Giving Program.
Catholic Charities Lake County Office is at 671 S. Lewis in Waukegan. The office serves the communities of: Antioch, Wadsworth, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Ingleside, Fox Lake, Round Lake, Gurnee, Grayslake, Libertyville, North Chicago, Lake Bluff, Mundelein, Wauconda, Island Lake, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highwood, Highland Park.
For more information about the Lake County office, call (847) 782-4000.
For information about other Catholic Charities programs or services, contact Kristin Ortman, director of communications, at (312) 655-7019 or kortman@catholiccharities.net.
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