Gala raises $100,000 for homeless program

Every week, "Mr. Fix-It," otherwise known as Lou Manfredini, dispenses practical home improvement advice on his Saturday morning call-in show on WGN-Radio.

At Saturday's "Hearts for the Homeless" dinner and auction, Manfredini gripped a gavel instead of a hammer, as he served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the major fundraiser.

"He is such a great auctioneer," said Sandra Yates of Rolling Meadows, event chairperson. "He's able to motivate people into contributing more than you would ever think."

In fact, with Manfredini's help, and the compelling nature of the cause, the event raised nearly $100,000.

More than 300 people attended the dinner, held at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates. They came to support the transitional housing program run by the Northwest Suburban office of Catholic Charities, based in Des Plaines.

The program supports homeless families with children, by managing its 19 subsidized apartments located in Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Niles, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling.

Families receive help with everything from emergency food and utility assistance, to counseling, employment services, parenting and childcare and food supplements.

"We are able to fund the program through collaboration with local (Catholic) parishes," said Mary Beth Hartmann, who administers it with Cheryl Margiewicz for Catholic Charities.

"I've seen families with little children, move from their car into an apartment," Hartmann added. "It's so heartwarming to see."

Caseworkers with Catholic Charities provide intensive case management with the families, visiting them every week, to help them regain their self-sufficiency.

Saturday's dinner took on a cruise theme, and was called a "Passport to Hope." Guests were given passports, and commended for their support.

"You're a lifesaver to this program," Yates told them. "We couldn't do this without you."