Shelter Inc.'s 29th anniversary charity ball Friday in Schaumburg

It's a critical year for the Shelter Inc. 29th Anniversary Charity Ball, the agency's biggest fundraiser, which is coming up next Friday, Nov. 18, according to marketing director Bobbie Baehne.

With the issues surrounding the Illinois state budget, the event at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg is key for programs and services for abused and neglected children in the Northwest suburbs.

Regina Waldroup, a reporter with NBC5, will return for her third year as ball host. The honorary chair is Mike Pitcher, president and CEO of LeasePlan, a supporter of Shelter for many years.

The theme is "From Our Heart To Your Home" and guests can expect inviting décor, exquisite dining and live music to dance by. In addition, there will be a live and silent auction and a raffle to raise funds.

Shelter, Inc. is a nonprofit child welfare agency that protects abused and neglected children and adolescents by providing foster care, emergency and longer-term group home services in a safe and caring environment.

Its Healthy Families Program, which almost had to close because of the state budget problems, provides home visits to first-time parents, emphasizing children's well-being and positive parenting.

And its Community Education program increases awareness of child abuse, neglect and other social problems directly impacting children and their families.

Tickets are $300 for the ball, or $100 for the raffle only. For information or to register, visit www.shelter-inc.org or contact call (847) 590-6188 ext. 21.