Thanks for great Concours event

To the editor: A community united is a powerful force. And once again, our friends in Lake, Cook and McHenry counties demonstrated the power of community as they rallied their support for what is now one of the country's premier car shows and one of the region's most important charity fundraisers.

Barrington's Concours d'Elegance -- Legends and Legacies, not only brought together some of the country's most celebrated cars and collectors; it garnered an unprecedented level of support and goodwill from 100 area businesses, banks, corporations and families. It also drew the interest of the thousands of people who attended.

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois was founded 25 years ago by a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens who believed they could make the world a better place. Today, evidenced through the success of the Concours d'Elegance, that same vision, energy and dedication are still clearly woven into the fabric of our communities. I am humbled by, and grateful for, the event's founders and volunteers, car collectors and judges, sponsors and friends.

While the event was a significant milestone for the entire Barrington area, it also served as an important, although unintended, statement about the people who live and work here.

A special thanks must be extended to Motor Werks of Barrington and Makray Memorial Golf Club, whose founding sponsorship and partnership made the Concours a reality.

We are also grateful to several anonymous Barrington families, Comcast, Quintessential Barrington Magazine, The Daily Herald, WBBM-AM, Lake Capital, Northern Trust, Hills Capital Management, Village of Barrington, Fifth Third Bank, Mercedes-Benz USA, Schmechtig Landscapes, Van Dam Dermatology, Tom and Dede Wamberg, Porsche North America, Mesirow Financial, J.P. Morgan Securities, Autobahn Country Club, Barrington High School, Barrington Train Station, Continental, Maureen Crump, Rick Dresang, Egg Harbor Restaurant, Lakeview Photo, Laura DiNello, Michael Furman, Mike Goodman Landscaping, Pia and Peter Hall, Hamilton Partners, Susan McConnell Photography, Patty and Charles Meroni, M.J. Miller & Co., Malcolm Pray, Moet-Hennessy USA, Onion Pub & Brewery, Pea Pod, Pepper Construction, Phillips Men's Wear, Elyse and Ray Roberts, The Sanfilippo Estate, Patty Dowd Schmitz Communication Services, Starr Couture, Ernie Stremel Digital Retention and Hagerty Insurance.

To all those who participated in the inaugural Concours d'Elegance, thank you.

Carolyn Handler

president and CEO

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois

Barrington