Spy-thrilling gala raises $90,000 for Palatine Twp. seniors
Guests arriving at The Cotillion for the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council’s 2011 Gala, “Bikinis, Martinis and Lamborghinis: 007 Heaven,” Saturday, Feb. 19, were met with a series of surprises — a Lamborghini and Aston Martin parked at the entrance, checkpoints that included a retinal scanner, actors dressed as characters from the James Bond films and lots of spy-themed fun.
From the decor, which include spy cutouts, James Bond movie posters and spy paraphernalia, to the entertainment, which included a spy spoof by the State Your Name Players, the evening raised over $90,000.
“Your donations make possible our not-so-secret mission: to continue to provide outstanding programs and services for our older adults and their families in the Palatine Township communities,” said gala Chairwoman Karen Fay.
Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods served as auctioneer. Guests bid for a week in Maine plus airfare, a three-night stay in Galena and a Blackhawks package including tickets and a signed jersey and puck from team captain Jonathan Toews. Other live auction items included box seats to home openers for the Cubs and Sox, a pig roast, airline tickets to any destination in the continental U.S. and a backstage tour and live taping of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight.
Silent auction items include tickets to sports events, works of art, theater and concert tickets, gift certificates to area restaurants and businesses, jewelry and health and beauty baskets.
Raffle prizes included a weekend with the winner’s choice of a Lamborghini or Aston Martin donated by Curvy Road, Fractional Ownership of Exotic Cars or diamond stud earrings donated by Wyatt Austin Jewelers.
The honorary chairman was Rembert Stokes of Inverness, former PTSCC board chairman. Karen Fay of Palatine, served as gala committee chairwoman.
Other members of the gala committee include Beatrice Banker, Palatine; Joe Benstein, Palatine; Phyllis Benstein, Palatine; John Mahler, Palatine; Judy McCaskey, Chicago; Carol Reagan, Barrington; Sharon Smith, Wonder Lake; Laurie Stock, Lake Zurich; Pam Stoltz, Palatine; Mary Szuch, Palatine; and Cheryl Westin, Wheeling, Cornerstone Bank and Trust Company.
The evening began with a complimentary cocktail reception, followed by four–course dinner with wine and complimentary bar, followed by dessert. The live and silent auctions and dancing to the music of the Original Rockin’ Fenderskirts rounded out the evening.
PTSCC’s mission is to provide programs and services which support the independence and well-being of older adults and promote their participation in the community. PTSCC is one of only six accredited senior centers in the state of Illinois, and one of 162 nationally.
PTSCC operates a multipurpose senior center offering social, nutrition, education, health, recreation and support services to Palatine Township area residents 50 and over.
For information on services, or to volunteer, call (847) 991-1112, or visit the PTSCC website at ptscc.org.
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