Arlington Heights' agency's 'Making Miracles Happen' gala a success
On Saturday, Nov. 15, St. Mary's Services hosted its annual fall gala, "Making Miracles Happen," at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer. Guests enjoyed the elegant and warm space, especially to escape from the snow that was falling throughout the night.
Passed hors d'oeuvres such as teriyaki chicken skewers, bruschetta and mini spring rolls accompanied the cocktail hour and the start of the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests were able to purchase beautiful angel wing bracelets, as well as raffle tickets to win an iPad Air; a special thank-you to the volunteers from the Kohl's Cares program in the selling of these items.
Guests enjoyed musical entertainment from DJ John Marcopulos of Fantastic DJ's and the night's moments were captured through the camera lens of Venessa Nickel.
St. Mary's would like to thank special guests for attending and making the night truly memorable. The agency welcomed Janet Davies, Jessica D'Onofrio, Douglas Whitmire and Michael Terenzio, all from the ABC 7 team. St. Mary's was lucky enough to have Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes and his wife, Susan, join as well as other village trustees, representatives from School District 214 and members of St. Mary's partnering agency, Episcopal Charities and Community Services.
St. Mary's is so deeply appreciative of the many sponsors that made this special night possible. The Cherubim level sponsor, Park Ridge Community Bank; the archangel sponsors, Tangent Group, Inc.; the guardian angels, Marie Tortoriello, Jim and Sue Pajakowski, Northwest Community Healthcare and the World Security Agency; the angel of light sponsor, Ron Braver & Associates; and lastly but certainly not least, angels Favia Family Dental, Thomas B. Brandstrader, Frank and Sheila Bertucci, James and Joan Giusto, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Camasta, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kowalski, Ray and Andrea Moreland, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Trocola, TPC, Inc., and anonymous donors.
After guests were seated, everyone enjoyed a hearty minestrone soup, fresh salad, and either champagne chicken complimented with duchess potatoes and green bean almondine, or the vegetarian option, eggplant Parmesan. While indulging in the delicious meal, our guest speakers, the Rev. Gary Cox and Anthony Galante, both adopted children of St. Mary's, pulled on the heartstrings of everyone in the room. The reverend enlightened all with the history and roots of St. Mary's Services; Anthony shared his compelling and heartwarming story of his adoption and all he has accomplished thus far.
Auction participants were quick to get in their last bids before the closing of the silent auction, they were scribbling bids to the last second. Collectively, St. Mary's presented 94 silent auction items; the items fell into categories such as vacations, for the home, girlie, man-friendly, kids, jewelry, pets, food/drink, family and sports. St. Mary's extends deep gratitude to all of the agencies and individuals who donated such wonderful items; the auction would not have been as vast and great without you.
The live auction was a fast-paced, exciting and very competitive 40 minutes, accompanied by some comic relief from auction presenters, Nishay Sanan and Mel Doerr. The live auction sponsors, J.V.D. Charity Sports Memorabilia, Mr. and Mrs. Caponigri, George Buerger, World Security Agency, The Grand Hotel, and Winspire, provided items such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Brett Favre signed jerseys, trips to Lake Geneva, New Orleans, Michigan, Napa Valley, and Las Vegas, a Mike Ditka signed helmet, an autographed Michael Jordan jersey, and more. Guests were able to treat themselves to ice cream parfait as the live auction took its course.
St. Mary's was able to raise funds and awareness in order to support the many women, children and families that the agency serves. Proceeds from the night will benefit women experiencing unplanned pregnancies and students in the Hopeful Beginnings Teen Parenting education program in School District 214.
An essential piece of the St. Mary's team is its board of trustees, all of its members truly showcased their dedication and compassion for the agency and this event. St. Mary's Services is in awe of the incredible planning and implementation made by the fundraising committee. To those who sat in meetings for hours as well as being part of all the behind-the-scenes action during the event, the agency is indebted to you; Judy Leonardis, Joanne Bratta, Mel Doerr, Nishay Sanan, Mary Alice Hoeksema, Allyson Howe, Cathy Paglia, and Meagan Kasper.
St. Mary's is very grateful to all of those who joined the agency for this joyous and important evening. The wheels are already turning for the fundraising committee in planning next year's events.
"We are grateful of all who attended, supported, or donated to "Making Miracles Happen," said Joanne Bratta, executive director."The proceeds for the event allows St. Mary's/Hopeful Beginnings to make miracles with women with unplanned pregnancies who are in need. Students at area high schools will continue to be blessed next year with counseling, education, and guidance in their journey of early pregnancy. They will have a mentor because of the generosity of people like all of you. What a beautiful event, with angels adorning each table, but more importantly, angels sitting at each table hoping to make a difference in the lives of birth mothers and building the family triad in adoption. Blessings to each of you as we enter the holiday season."
To stay up to date on what's happening at St. Mary's Services, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stmarysadoptions or Twitter at twitter.com/stmaryservices. Visit, stmaryservices.com.
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