Caring Hearts Gala raises funds for senior citizens
Guests arriving at The Cotillion for the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's 16th annual Caring Hearts Gala, "Gala of Thrones: A Medieval Ball," Feb. 20 entered by walking under a decorated castle arch featuring a life-size knight in shining armor.
Decorations adorned the ballroom and each table included decorated medieval castles, knights, shields and candelabras.
The evening began with a complimentary cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner with wine. The evening also featured live and silent auctions, cash raffle and cork pull, as well as music by the Original Rockin' Fenderskirts.
There also was a Selfie Station with a castle backdrop and a Medieval King and plenty of props.
Guests listened to guest of honor Betsy Storm, author of "Bright Lights of the Second City: 50 Prominent Chicagoans on Living with Passion and Purpose," as the personal historian spoke about helping everyday people tell their life stories.
Another highlight of the evening was watching the video featuring the PTSCC Home Delivered Meals Program. John Melone of Pan American Bank, the honorary chairman, spoke of the of the importance of the programs offered by the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Center in Palatine Township and surrounding communities.
C. Norman Andrews, the evening's auctioneer, showcased the live auction items, which included Blackhawks tickets, a Zip Line Canopy Tour in Lake Geneva, Bulls tickets, White Sox tickets, and a one-week stay in the Hamptons.
Nearly 50 silent auction items included a Brinkman grill, Waterford crystal, and countless gift certificates to restaurants, symphonies and theater productions.
"We could not accomplish all we do without the help and support of many amazing people," stated PTSCC Board Chairman Karen J. Fay. "We are especially grateful to Rem Stokes for his generous gift of $10,000 to the endowment to provide funds to support the programs and services of the PTSCC in perpetuity."
Members of the gala committee included Chairman Donelda Danz, Dr. Gloria Abularach, Phyllis Benstein, Karen Fay, Jenny Garcia-Macko, Bob Haas, Diane Iser, Kate Johnson, Lauren Milani, Kim Moore, Carol Reagan, Marla Shapiro-Gillen, Laurie Stock, and Ann Vatch.
The evening raised more than $65,000 to continue to provide older adults and their families with programs and services within the Palatine Township communities.
"We really appreciate the support of our gala sponsors," said Carol Reagan, executive director at PTSCC.
Thank you to Royal Circle Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, Pan American Bank; Rem Stokes, in memory of Lee Stokes. Diamond Circle Sponsors: Ray & Judy McCaskey, Palatine Park District.
Platinum Circle Sponsors: Addolorata Villa - Franciscan Communities; Brandt Financial Concepts Inc.; C. Norman Andrews-auctioneer; Lavelle Law, LTD; Northwest Community Healthcare.
Gold Circle Sponsors: A.L. Sittaro; Brookdale-Prospect Heights; Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company; Moats Office Properties; The Garlands of Barrington.
Silver Circle Sponsors: Aperion Care-Plum Grove; Comfort Keepers; Plum Creek Supportive Living. Printing Sponsors: Carol & Dennis Reagan and Northrup Grumman.
Music Sponsors: Ray & Judy McCaskey.
The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council operates the Palatine Township Senior Center, a private, not-for-profit organization providing innovative, quality, cost-effective services to adults 50 and better in Palatine Township and Chicago's Northwest Suburbs for more than 40 years.
PTSCC is one of only five senior centers in Illinois that is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers. Its mission is to provide programs and services that support older adults and their families by encouraging independence, well-being, and connection to the community.
The Recreation, Education, Health and Wellness, Noon Dining, Home Delivered Meals, Adult Day Services, and Social Services programs are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Services are available in English, Spanish and Russian at six satellite locations. The Social Services staff also makes home visits.
For information, visit www.ptscc.org, like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palatinetwpsrctr or call (847) 991-1112.
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