Palatine Township Senior Center holds gala
Guests arriving at The Cotillion for the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's 17th annual Caring Hearts Gala, "An Evening at Sea: A Starry, Starry Night" held Feb. 18, entered into the ballroom like they were walking up the gangway onto a cruise ship.
Decorations adorned the entryway, ballroom and each table, including life preservers, lighthouses, fishing nets, and anchors.
The evening began with a complimentary cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner with wine. The evening also included live and silent auctions, cash raffle, cork pull, and music by the Original Rockin' Fenderskirts.
There also was a "Selfie Station," with a large "starry night" backdrop with ship's rails and a Captain's Wheel.
Guests listened to Greg Dowell, honorary chairman, as he spoke about his heritage and the importance of helping the community.
"The sharing of food, nurturing, and healing that take place at the Senior Citizens Center strengthen our community. Anything this valuable is worth our investment of time, talent, and treasure," Dowell said, who is managing partner of Bass, Solomon & Dowell, LLP, and serves as board chairman of Harper College.
Executive Director Carol Reagan announced that PTSCC has been awarded its third accreditation through the National Council on Aging's National Institute of Senior Centers. Accreditation assures donors, clients, volunteers, funders, and the community that the Palatine Township Senior Center provides quality programs and services that meet high national standards.
Another highlight of the evening was watching a video featuring the PTSCC Home Delivered Meals Program and emphasizing the importance of providing a nutritious meal each day to those folks who otherwise would not have one, and the volunteers who make the program successful.
C. Norman Andrews, the evening's auctioneer, did a great job showcasing the live auction items, which included White Sox tickets, Disney tickets, a Medinah golf package, and a limousine package.
PTSCC thanks Norm for helping the Fund the Need reverse auction to be so successful, and thanks its guests for their support.
Nearly 60 items, including a Nexell grill, Waterford crystal, and countless gift certificates to restaurants, games, symphonies and theater productions, to name a few, were part of the silent auction.
Gene Vaynrub donated his services as photographer to capture the evening.
"We could not accomplish all we do without the help and support of many amazing people," said PTSCC board Chairman Donelda Danz.
"We are especially grateful to all those who made generous donations to the endowment to provide funds to support the programs and services of the PTSCC in perpetuity."
Members of the gala committee included co-chairs Donelda Danz and Marla Shapiro-Gillen, Dr. Gloria Abularach, Karen Fay, Jenny Garcia-Macko, Bob Haas, Amy Hoffman, Diane Iser, Kate Johnson, John Mahler, Lauren Milani, Kim Moore, Judy Pitzele, Carol Reagan, and Laurie Stock.
Thank you to the gala committee, many volunteers, individuals, and businesses that helped raise more than $106,000, including donations to the endowment. Donations like this make it possible to continue to provide older adults and their families with programs and services within Palatine Township and the surrounding communities.
"We really appreciate the support of our gala sponsors," said Reagan.
Thank you to Bridge Deck sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, Rem Stokes. Promenade Deck sponsors: Bass, Solomon & Dowell, LLP, Ray & Judy McCaskey, Palatine Park District.
Lido Deck sponsors: Addolorata Villa-Franciscan Communities, Brandt Financial Concepts Inc., C. Norman Andrews-Noted Auctioneer, Guillaume & Freckman, Harper College, Lavelle Law, Northwest Community Healthcare, Palatine Bank & Trust.
Sun Deck sponsors: A.L. Sittaro, Brookdale-Prospect Heights, Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company, The Garlands of Barrington.
Quarter Deck sponsors: Pan American Bank, Plum Creek Supportive Living. Printing sponsors: Northrup Grumman. Music sponsors: Ray & Judy McCaskey.
The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council operates the Palatine Township Senior Center, a private, nonprofit organization, providing innovative, quality, cost-effective services to adults ages 50 and older 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, as needed.
Senior Centers provide a place for older adults to pursue personal interests; to enhance physical, emotional and intellectual well-being; to validate self-worth and human dignity; to celebrate life experiences; receive needed social services; maintain their independence and connection to the community; and to be of value to others.
For information, visit www.ptscc.org, like us Facebook at www.facebook.com/palatinetwpsrctr or call (847) 991-1112.
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