Gala raises funds for mental health counseling
Youth & Family Counseling Auxiliary hosted the 2016 Boots & Bling Gala on Oct. 22 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort.
Since 1962, YFC has helped make professional counseling services affordable for thousands of Lake County families. At the 2016 gala, more than $130,000 was raised to support counseling services for children and teens in Lake County.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in the Grand Marquee Pavilion. A raffle, silent auction, gourmet bourbon tasting by Ken Ruff & Beam Suntory, and a country western-themed photo booth added to the event's excitement. A sit-down dinner was accented by colorful fall floral arrangements and country music.
YFC Board President Steve Ihm and YFC Executive Director Janelle Moravek welcomed guests and thanked everyone for supporting YFC's mission: Opening doors to mental health care so people can cope, heal and thrive. YFC Counselor Gina Tober, MA, LCPC, and Client Services Coordinator Catherine VanDamme were the featured speakers, sharing their own personal and professional experience in counseling and connecting clients with mental health services.
Catherine Knebel Evans of CKE Charity Auctioneers raised funds during a live auction of "Hamilton" tickets, a signed Anthony Rizzo jersey, and more. During the dinner, guests followed the Chicago Cubs on the big screen as they became the National League Champions and advanced to the 2016 World Series. Later in the evening, guests danced to the tunes of Gone Country.
The 2016 gala was co-chaired by Anne Brandt and Maria Rill, supported by YFC staff and Gala Committee members Patricia Bleck, May Evans, Annette Freyman, Kristin Griffith, Michelle Krumm, Maggie Losch, Kaarn Luce, Stephanie Marcus, Sharon Mullins, Lorraine Pritchard, Casey Rooney, Sue Rudolphi, Kathleen Salemi, Heather Schaffer, Leia Skie, Laurie Wienke and Judy Zoellick.
Generous gifts were received from Premier Sponsors Allstate and BCU; Platinum Sponsors Tom and Annette Freyman; and Gold Sponsors JLL, Rust-Oleum, and Greg & Lorraine Pritchard.
Additional support was provided by Silver Sponsors Dalco Metals Inc., Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, Libertyville Chevrolet, Scott and Brenda Carlson, Richard and Sandra Hutson, Steve and Terry Ihm, Linda McGlynn, Lance and Carol Piccolo and RAC Refrigeration Systems; as well as Bronze Sponsors Bleck Consulting LLC, Tom and Maria Rill, Jim and Darlene Shackelford, and Steve and Stephanie Marcus.
Gala auction donors included Abbott, All About Barrels, BCU, Cafe Pyrenees, Chicago Bulls, Annette and Tom Freyman, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Kirstin and Rob Griffith, Sandi Hansen, JMR Landscaping, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Milwalky Trace, Sharon and Michael Mullins, Nico Osteria, Northlight Theatre, Palmer House, The Peninsula Chicago, Pizzeria DeVille, Purely Pilates & Purely Activewear, Lorraine and Greg Pritchard, Maria and Tom Rill, Ristorante Bottaio, Rolland's Jewelers, Rust-Oleum, John and Priscilla Simons, Leia and Erik Skie, Jim and Darlene Shackelford, Shakou Libertyville, Synergy Healthcare, The Tavern, The Turnbaugh Family, United, Beth and Keith Van Damme, William Frick & Company, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, The Wienke Family, and Youth & Family Counseling Board of Directors.
In-kind gifts were received from Gretchen Clemens (photography), Ken Ruff & Beam Suntory (bourbon tasting), Stephanie Marcus and Peggy Carter (centerpieces), William Frick & Company (signage), and student volunteers.
YFC is a United Way of Lake County agency.
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