Catholic Charities holds Changing Lives gala

The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Lake County hosted its 23rd Annual Art of Caring benefit, “Changing Lives,” a gala that supports Catholic Charities services in Lake County.

The event was attended by more than 220 guests at Knollwood. Guests were welcomed by the Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland, administrator, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Al and Mary Ann Moschner, honorary chair couple; and Debby Lambert, women’s board president.

Guests enjoyed a reception, cocktails, appetizers, dinner, live/silent auction and live music. There were 10 live auction items, including three nights for four in a mountain view casita at the Sanctuary Camelback Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.; a five-day, four-night wine experience for two to Napa Valley; a weekend at the 2013 Kentucky Derby, with three nights at the Central Park Bed and Breakfast Inn in Louisville, plus two box-seat tickets for May 3 and 4, 2013; two tickets for the 2012 Ryder Cup, with admittance to the International Pavillion and Medinah course grounds for the final round; and a luxury weekend in Chicago at the Drake Hotel.

A grand raffle drawing for a dream destination for two valued at more than $15,000 also was offered. Music entertainment was provided by Chris Lambert Trio.

The Irene Leahy McMahon Award was presented to Debbie Stepan by last year’s recipient, Alisun Blanda. This award is presented each year to a member who has given unselfishly of her time and talent to the activities of the Women’s Board and to Catholic Charities.

All the proceeds from the event directly support Catholic Charities programs in Lake County, including Children and Family Services (adoption and maternity counseling); community casework (emergency assistance, housing and budget counseling and HIV/case management); Samaritan House; family self sufficiency programs; SAFE Housing Services (Meals on Wheels and senior dining sites) and the Christmas Gift Giving Program.

Catholic Charities Lake County Office is at 671 S. Lewis, Waukegan. The office serves the communities of: Antioch, Wadsworth, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Ingleside, Fox Lake, Round Lake, Gurnee, Grayslake, Libertyville, North Chicago, Lake Bluff, Mundelein, Wauconda, Island Lake, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highwood, Highland Park.

For details, call (847) 782-4000.