Riverside Foundation chooses winter theme for annual gala

Riverside Foundation's annual gala, themed "A Winter Soiree," will take place on Feb. 20 at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort, with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature an elegant dinner, dancing with Stu Hirsh Orchestra and a variety of unique live and silent auction items.

Proceeds directly benefit Riverside Foundation, a charitable organization serving adults with developmental disabilities. Its facilities include a residential facility, located in the heart of Lincolnshire on Half Day Road, and Riverside Developmental Services, located in Vernon Hills on Corporate Woods Parkway. The Riverside Foundation Auxiliary is a volunteer organization working to advance the welfare of the foundation and is clients.

Riverside Foundation was established as a not-for-profit organization serving developmentally disabled adults in 1976. The winter fundraiser has evolved over the last 25 years or so, according to Karen Bruns, Riverside Foundation Auxiliary vice president. It was originally a small party in an office building, then for years was a brunch and theater event at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort. In 1999, the event first became an evening gala, again held at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort, where it has remained ever since.

The event is possible through the efforts of the Riverside Foundation Auxiliary and the Riverside Foundation board. Many individual and corporate donors have also supported Riverside's efforts over the years, Bruns said.

The Riverside Foundation Auxiliary, a group of more than 60 active and sustaining members, was founded in 1985. The auxiliary begins work on the next year's event almost as soon as the gala is over each year. In addition to the winter gala, the auxiliary raises funds with a Holiday Housewalk in December. The housewalk has been very successful, drawing larger and larger crowds each year, this year raising almost $10,000, Bruns said. The auxiliary is also involved in many other smaller fundraising activities throughout the year, she said.

The gala is the largest fundraising effort, averaging about $150,000 a year, Bruns said. This year the auxiliary would like to bring in well in excess of that to help compensate for the lack of state funds, which are running about six months behind, she said. State and federal funding is the primary revenue source for Riverside, she said.

The event is close to Valentine's Day, which is appropriate, Bruns said, because the driving force behind the foundation's efforts is love for the clients.

"The 97 clients who live at Riverside's residence on Half Day Road in Lincolnshire and the 120 who are served at Riverside Developmental Services in Vernon Hills are special people who inspire us all to do more," she said. "Riverside is not a cold institution where the clients are lost in the crowd. Each person is appreciated. The clients show respect for each other, which says to me that they are treated with respect. They are modeling the behavior they see. Clients, staff and volunteers at Riverside display such love and kindness that they could be role models for the world. If only all of us acting that way every day."

Gala tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $175 per person. For tickets and more information, contact Riverside Foundation at (847) 634-3973.