Youth and Family Counseling Auxiliary hosts successful gala
Youth & Family Counseling Auxiliary hosted the annual gala at the Royal Melbourne Country Club recently. More than 200 guests were in attendance and more than $125,000 was raised to support affordable mental health services for children and teens in central Lake County.
A ballroom reception featured a raffle and live and silent auctions that included private dinner parties, professional sporting events, and vacation destinations. The raffle and auctions raised more than $44,000.
In keeping with the evening's formal mood, the candlelit dining room tables were graced with floral arrangements of roses, hydrangea, and lilies. Guests were offered the opportunity to purchase a glass of champagne in exchange for a sparkling "diamond" ring and a chance to win a bracelet.
Carol Piccolo of Libertyville was honored with the first emeritus status for a former board member for her long-term commitment to the mission of YFC.
Keynote speaker 15-year-old Elizabeth Einig shared her experience with depression and advocated for treating mental health with the same urgency and compassion as we do physical health. She emphasized the importance of the availability of mental health services to help young people cope with depression, anxiety, abuse, bullying, grief, ADHD, and more.
The 2014 gala was co-chaired by Anne Brandt, Linda Oliverii and Lynn Patterson.
"The women of the YFC Auxiliary have once again demonstrated their dedication and enthusiasm to support mental health services for children and teens who struggle to access quality mental health services in central Lake County," auxiliary President Anne Brandt said.
"The gala also highlights the vital role YFC plays in mental health education and outreach right here in our own community."
The gala was sponsored by gifts from Allstate and BCU, this year's premier sponsors, and major sponsors Abbott and Takeda. Additional support was provided by Greg and Lorraine Pritchard, BMO Harris, Banner & Witcoff Ltd., Scott and Brenda Carlson, Garret Leach of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Libertyville Chevrolet, Manning Silverman & Company, Rust-Oleum, Joe and Anne Berghammer, Bleck Consulting LLC, and Steve Lee & Associates, LLC.
YFC is a United Way of Lake County agency.
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