Libertyville Sunrise Rotary event raises $79,808 for local charities
Libertyville Sunrise Rotary held its 2021 fundraiser, "The Remarkable People Variety Show," Feb. 27, raising $79,808 for local charities.
The virtual event included a talent show featuring local high school students, a traditional silent auction and 50/50 raffle, along with a "Paddle Raise" netting nearly $30,000 for Mothers Trust Foundation, the primary beneficiary this year.
The fundraiser also included home-delivered dinners from local restaurants Main Street Social, Mickey Finn's and Café Pyrenees.
"Libertyville Sunrise Rotary wants to thank the many individuals, volunteers, local businesses and sponsors who made our 2021 event one of our most successful fundraisers ever," said Tom Zengeler, current LSR President.
"When planning the event, we hoped to raise at least as much as the winter 2020 event, our last in-person fundraiser. Thanks to the hard work and generous donations from hundreds of supporters, the actual amount raised was a 30%-plus increase from 2021.
"Local Rotarians, the public at large and our sponsors provided remarkable support for our foundation. That spirit even extended to the winner of our 50/50 raffle, who immediately donated their $4,470 winnings directly to Mothers Trust."
Talent for the evening featured current and former students of Libertyville, Lake Forest and Carmel Catholic high schools, along with Woodlands Academy and St. Joseph's School. Performances included music, modern dance, a soloist, and a brother and sister duo who collaborated to create chalk art scenes from throughout the world.
Their work went viral during the pandemic and has already included an appearance on Good Morning America, among other places.
"The Remarkable People Variety Show" fundraiser was supported by more than 200 participants, the vast majority of whom attended via Zoom on the evening of the event. At the outset, attendees were invited to join individual "Zoom rooms," the equivalent of a table at a live event.
After enjoying their meals and socializing with friends at their "tables," attendees rejoined the larger event, where they were formally welcomed by Zengeler. Throughout the rest of the evening, attendees were treated to a combination of student performances and a focus on fundraising from auctioneer Tucker Olson, then were guided through the remainder of the evening by master of ceremonies Doug Fendon.
"The volunteers who contributed their talents to the evening deserve special recognition," Zengeler said. "A special shout-out goes to Jimmy Connell of Craftsman Media, who coordinated the talent portion of the event. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Diana Taylor, who made sure our Zoom connection and 'Zoom rooms' worked seamlessly.
"I'd also like to thank Tucker and Doug for an excellent job leading us through the evening, along with all the other hard-working Rotarians, volunteers, donors and sponsors. Our remarkable team certainly embodied Rotary's motto of service above self with how they came through for our foundation and the local charities who will share the donations," Zengeler said.
For more information about this year's "The Remarkable People Variety Show," contact Zengeler at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or tzengeler@zengelercleaners.com.
For more information about Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and the club's charitable foundation, visit portal.clubrunner.ca/2389.
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