Palatine senior citizens council ball a '20s whodunit
Guests arriving at The Cotillion for the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's 2012 Caring Hearts Gala: “A Killer Night” Murder, Mayhem and Mystery Feb. 18 had some Roaring '20s fun and were given the task of figuring out “whodunit.”
Guests entered through a coffee house facade and dialed in a secret passcode in a phone booth to gain access to the 1920s speakeasy. Part of the guests' role was to apprehend the guilty parties and place them in jail.
The corrupt bailiff, Web Eby, PTSCC's facility coordinator, was guarding the door and taking bribes for early release. The speak-easy was decorated with empty whiskey bottles, feather boas, bathtub gin, a moonshine distillery, Marlon Brando life-size cutout, pictures of Al Capone and other 1920s memorabilia.
The evening began with a complimentary cocktail reception, followed by a four-course dinner with wine and complimentary bar, then dessert. The live and silent auctions and dancing to the music of the Original Rockin' Fenderskirts rounded out the evening.
One highlight was the murder mystery skit titled “The Night They Raided Palatine,” written by Palatine playwright Judith Vornbrock. The cast included Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz, Inverness Police Chief Bob Haas, Karen Fay, Laurie Stock, Kevin Romejko, Jorge Juarez, Evan Brown, Tom Selof, John Mahler, Phyllis Benstein, Cheryl Westin and Marla Shapiro-Gillen.
Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods served as auctioneer.
Guests bid on items such as a week in the Hamptons, a Blackhawks ticket package, a sheared beaver fur coat and a signed Bobby Hull jersey. Other live auction items included a Blackhawks 2011-2012 team-signed hockey stick, Disney hopper passes, NASCAR driving experience, and Cubs and Sox ticket packages.
Silent auction items included tickets to sports events, works of art, theater and concert tickets, gift certificates to area restaurants and businesses, jewelry and health and beauty baskets. There was also a cash raffle with prizes of $50, $150 and $500. Gene Vaynrub donated his services as Paparazzo (photographer) for the evening.
The guest of honor, Pamela Stoltz, was honored for her 32 years of community involvement, both as a Palatine Park District employee and as a PTSCC board member. Pam's suggestion to start a yearlong raffle for PTSCC has raised almost $65,000 since its initiation in 2005.
The Caring Hearts Gala had three co-chairs this year, including Karen Fay, Laurie Stock and Kevin Romejko. Other members of the gala committee included Beatrice Banker, Phyllis Benstein, Nancy Frenk, Jorge Juarez, John Mahler, Kim Moore, Linda Murtaugh, Carol Reagan, Julie Selof, Marla Shapiro-Gillen, Mary Szuch, Ann Vatch and Cheryl Westin.
“Thank you to our fabulous gala committee, many volunteers, individuals, and businesses that helped raise $60,000,” Karen Fay said.
“Your donations make it possible to continue to provide older adults and their families with outstanding programs and services within the Palatine Township communities.”
A big thank you goes out to the gala sponsors, which included Diamond Circle sponsors Alexian Brothers Senior and Community Resource Center, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, BMO Harris Bank, Comcast, Judy and Ray McCaskey, Northrop Grumman and Raco Industrial Corporation-Martha Atherton.
Platinum Circle sponsors were Fifth Third Bank, Lutheran Home, Palatine Bank and Trust, and Sunset Foods.
Gold Circle sponsors were The Garlands of Barrington, Lavelle Law, Ltd., ManorCare Health Services, Northwest Community Hospital, A. L. Sittaro, CPA, and Phyllis Benstein, Gigi Hill.
Silver Circle sponsor was Katie Brown, Arbonne International.
PTSCC's mission is to provide programs and services that support older adults and their families by encouraging independence, well-being and connection to 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 and wellness, recreation, and support services to Palatine Township area residents ages 50 and older.
For details or to volunteer, call (847) 991-1112 or visit www.ptscc.org.
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