Wellness Place gala raises almost $100,000
Wellness Place celebrated its “Art of the Human Spirit” Auxiliary Gala at The Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 8. Supporters of the organization gathered for an evening of art, laughter, learning and giving as they raised glasses and paddles in support of those facing cancer from our community.
Overall the event raised nearly $100,000 which will support programs at Wellness Place.
“I couldn’t believe the amazing weather we had — the outdoor atrium with its vintage fountains and white lights, surrounded by the Chicago skyline were a perfect setting for the cocktail hour — a beautiful start to a lovely evening,” said Wellness Place board chairman Ellaine Sambo-Reyther.
Guides were on hand for personally conducted tours of exhibits including the Chagall Windows and “Windows on the War.” Dinner was held in the historic Stock Exchange Room where guests enjoyed the relocated elaborate stenciled decorations, molded plaster capitals and art glass originally designed for the Stock Exchange by Louis Sullivan, in 1893.
The program included presentation of the Pat and Vince Foglia Award for Loyalty and Commitment to Shefali Bhuva of South Barrington. “Shefali has been dedicated to supporting the efforts of Wellness Place since 2003,” said Pam Reiss, executive director. “Her compassion for those affected by cancer is matched only by her determination to ensure we can continue providing vital services to the cancer community for years to come.”
Guest speaker for the evening was 12-year-old Becca Davis, who recounted her experience following the death of a close family friend who had leukemia. She told the story of support she and her family have received as they struggled through their feelings and emotions related to his passing. Wise beyond her years, Becca’s speech was followed by a standing ovation.
Auction items for the evening included tickets to the 2012 Grammy’s and a luxurious villa in Puerto Vallarta. The generosity of guests was evident especially in the paddle raise portion where more than $37,500 was generated.
“We are continually humbled by the support we’ve received from the community,” mused Reiss, “times are challenging for everyone and we appreciate every dollar gifted to our organization.”
Proceeds benefit Wellness Place cancer-related counseling, education and support programs provided at no charge to survivors, their family, friends and caregivers.
Current sponsors for this year’s gala include: Pat and Vince Foglia, Harris Bank, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Myrna Porter, Long & Co. Jewelers, and Donna and Carl Stapleton.
Wellness Place is a community-based cancer education, counseling and support resource center in Palatine, serving people, who are diagnosed with cancer, their family and caregivers. Services and programs are delivered by professionals at no charge to the participants. The services provide critical, life-enhancing support and guidance to each participant as they learn to manage emotional and physical responses, sort through treatment options and side effects, formulate questions for doctors and communicate ideas to others. For information on Wellness Place, visit www.wellnessplace.org or call (847) 221-2400.
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