Palatine Township Senior Center's annual gala sparkles
Guests arrived at The Cotillion for the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's 19th annual Caring Hearts Gala, "Denim and Diamonds," held on Feb. 16 wearing everything from ballgown with diamonds to rhinestone jackets with denim skirts or pants.
Decorations adorned the entryway, ballroom and each table, including all combinations of denim decorated vases, rhinestones, flowers, lights and all things that sparkle.
The evening began with a cocktail reception with hand passed hors d'oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner with wine. There also were live and silent auctions and dancing to live music from JDL Entertainment.
Fun was had by all at the "Selfie Station," where there was a large diamond backdrop with props for guests to use.
The Cork Pull was brought back this year by popular demand. A gift card or jewelry was attached to several of the 54 bottles, and each person who participated had the opportunity to win a wine basket.
During dinner, guests listened to Bob Haas, the guest of honor, as he spoke about his volunteerism at the center over the last seven years, his time on the board of directors for four years, and the important role that the Palatine Township Senior Center plays in the community.
Haas is very involved in the community through many organizations and has been the chief of police for the village of Inverness for 11 years. The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council appreciates the dedication and passion he has brought to the center and to everything he does.
Another highlight of the evening was watching a video featuring the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council's Home Delivered Meals Program. The volunteers who make this program successful deliver a hot, nutritious meal to almost 80 people a day in the township who otherwise may not have another source of such a meal.
C. Norman Andrews, the noted auctioneer, did an outstanding job explaining how donor funds equate to the number of meals. The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council would like to thank Andrews for his help in hosting the most successful Fund the Need reverse auction, which helps to support the program.
More than 60 silent auction baskets, including countless gift certificates to restaurants, games, symphonies and theater productions, to name a few, were among the silent auction items. Joan Scovic of the Palatine Park District donated her services as photographer to capture the evening.
"We could not accomplish all we do without the help and support of many amazing people," said Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council board Chairwoman Donelda Danz. "We are very grateful to all those who put the event together and those who made generous donations at the event, which, in turn, provide funds to support the programs and services of the Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council."
Members of the gala committee included Co-Chairs Donelda Danz and Marla Shapiro-Gillen and committee members Maureen Centeno, Judy Gaston, Jenny Garcia-Macko, Amy Hoffman, Kate Johnson, Kim Moore, Carol Reagan, Dan Rodgers and Larry Sophian.
Thank you to the gala committee, many volunteers, individuals and businesses that helped raise more than $107,000, including donations to the endowment.
"Donations like this make it possible to continue to provide older adults and their families with outstanding programs and services within Palatine Township and the surrounding communities. We really appreciate the support of our gala sponsors," said Carol Reagan, executive director.
Thank you to Five Carat sponsors: BMO Harris Bank and Rem Stokes; Four Carat sponsors: Ray and Judy McCaskey, Northrop Grumman and the Palatine Park District; Three Carat sponsors: Addolorata Villa-Franciscan Communities, Brandt Financial Concepts Inc., C. Norman Andrews-noted auctioneer, Dowell Group, Guillaume & Freckman, Lavelle Law, Northwest Community Healthcare and Palatine Bank & Trust; Two Carat sponsors: A.L. Sittaro, Andigo Credit Union, Asbury Court, Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company, The Garlands of Barrington, Lutheran Home and Dan and Ellen Rodgers; One Carat sponsor: Maryann Duffy; and Music sponsor: Ray and Judy McCaskey.
The Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council operates the Palatine Township Senior Center, a private, nonprofit organization, providing innovative, quality, cost-effective services to adults ages 50 and better in Palatine Township and Chicago's Northwest suburbs for more than 40 years.
Palatine Township Senior Center is one of only three senior centers in Illinois that is accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers.
Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council'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. The Recreation, Education, Health and Wellness, Noon Dining, Home Delivered Meals, Adult Day Services and Social Services programs are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Services are available in English, Spanish and Russian at four satellite locations. The Social Services staff also makes home visits as needed.
For information, visit www.ptscc.org, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/palatinetwpsrctr or call (847) 991-1112.