Auctions big hit at Palatine Women's event
At the Palatine Women's Club charity luncheon -- held Saturday at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine -- members thought big.
They packaged literally hundreds of themed baskets for guests to peruse before lunch, as well as stock a bake sale with countless number of delicacies all packaged in crystal or on a ceramic platter and ready for gift giving.
Even their live and silent auctions were oversized. They offered around 65 items in the live auction, ranging from designer furniture pieces procured from the Merchandise Mart, to weekend packages, to a day with the chef of either Le Titi de Paris in Arlington Heights or Weber Grill in Schaumburg.
Another 145 items drew guests' interest in the silent auction, including restaurant and entertainment packages donated by local merchants, as well as collectibles.
Among the top sellers, were two paintings by local artist, and club member, Mary Bernd. The acrylic paintings featured landscape scenes -- including one of Palatine Hills Golf Course, and the other of a chilly day at the beach in Door County -- and drew spirited bidding during the live auction.
In all, approximately 250 guests attended the benefit, and most left with having purchased -- or won -- something.
"It all moved very quickly," said committee member Jill Jensen of Palatine. "People came to bid, and they bid early."
Club members work year round to raise money for organizations that serve women and children. The luncheon is their major fundraiser, that last year, enabled them to contribute $25,000 to local charities, that all serve Palatine-area residents.
Their largest amount went to One Step At A Time, a free summer camp for children with cancer, and the Little Sisters of the Poor, who operate St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly in Palatine.
"Our goal has always been to spread our donations around," said committee member Carol Lashin of Palatine, "to help a variety of age groups."
Other beneficiaries include: Harper College scholarships, Harper College, the Palatine Food Pantry, Kirk School, Northwest Special Olympics, the Palatine Needy Family Fund, Palatine Opportunity Center, WINGS, Home of the Sparrow, the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council, and Clearbrook in Arlington Heights.