Dinner helps Naperville CARES offer emergency financial aid

The eighth annual Toasting for a Cause invites attendees to enjoy an evening of dinner and wine to benefit Naperville CARES.

The event is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 244 S. Main St., Naperville. Proceeds support Naperville CARES, which provides direct monetary assistance to families facing temporary financial crises.

Diners will be served a five-course meal: a first course of seared bay scallops with Meyer lemon air and chives; a second course of butternut squash soup, crème fraiche and herbs; a third course of chicory salad, tomato gastrique and leek frites; a fourth course of filet mignon served with wild mushrooms and demi-glace; and a fifth course of panna cotta served with chai tea.

Guests can enjoy complimentary Moscato as they arrive, and each course will be paired with a wine from Whitehall Lane Winery.

The evening will also feature auction items and a raffle. Guests also will have the opportunity to support the programs of Naperville CARES by becoming CARESGivers during the evening.

Reservations are $125 per person, with $60 of each ticket going directly to support CARES; tax-deductible. Seating is limited. Register online at napervillecares.org or call (630) 369-0200.

Naperville CARES aims to help local families in financial crisis meet their essential needs by providing emergency financial support and resources.

The volunteer-driven organization has built networking relationships with faith communities and government and social service agencies to collaborate and coordinate services in an effort to maximize assistance while not duplicating services.

In addition, the CARES Car Donation Program repairs vehicles donated by community members and provides them to eligible households that lack critical transportation to get to work, thus breaking down one of the significant barriers in the fight against poverty.

CARES has provided more than $1.5 million in direct financial assistance and more than 550 cars to Naperville families since 1999.