OMNI to celebrate 50 years of service with Anniversary Gala
In 1971, a group of Wheeling citizens began a crisis hotline for youth in the Wheeling community.
In 1972, led by District 21 educator Dr. Richard E. Wynn, many volunteers from The Hotline came together to open Omni House Youth Services Bureau, Inc. Fifty years later, their vision has grown into OMNI, a behavioral health nonprofit providing affordable counseling, prevention and family preservation services to over 15 counties in Illinois.
In celebration of five decades of service, OMNI's 50th Anniversary Gala will take place Nov. 5 at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills.
The Sanfilippo Estate houses collections featuring automatic music instruments, steam-powered machinery, chandeliers and lamps, art, and other unique pieces of history. The Sanfilippo Foundation rents the private residence out exclusively to charities and nonprofit organizations, making the 50th Anniversary Gala one of a select few opportunities to see the property and collections.
Demand for OMNI's mental health services is at an all-time high. As conversations around mental health topics are normalized, more people are seeking out counseling services than ever before.
The 50th Anniversary Gala, a critical part of meeting those needs, has been in the planning stages for over a year and thoughtfully designed by a dedicated committee of leadership volunteers and OMNI staff.
This year's event is sponsored by Quatrro Business Support Services, as well as a handful of other organizations dedicated to improving access to behavioral health services.
The gala will also be a time to honor several individuals who have contributed greatly to OMNI's mission over the past 50 years. The following individuals will receive OMNI's Pillar Award: Andy and Janice Greenawalt of Long Grove, William Johnson of Libertyville, Scott Schweinfurth of Chicago, David and Susan Weidenfeld of Buffalo Grove.
This year's Richard E. Wynn Award for Service to Youth will be awarded to Michael Patterson of Barrington for his decades of volunteerism and leadership.
Chris Hannon, the president of OMNI's board of directors, is looking forward to this year's gala and "the opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of the OMNI volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners whose support has created a positive impact in the lives of approximately 750,000 people over the last 50 years."
OMNI plans to deepen its impact over the next 50 years, starting with a major expansion.
"OMNI is Latin for 'all,'" Hannon said. "And now we are on the verge of launching tomorrow's version of OMNI, which broadens that meaning to include younger children and adults. The need is certainly there. The expansion also furthers a key goal of our mission, strengthening families."
Funds raised at the 50th Anniversary Gala or through the 50th Anniversary Gala raffle will go directly toward providing services like play therapy or in-home counseling for these two age groups.
Those interested in supporting OMNI's mission and its communities by attending or sponsoring the 50th Anniversary Gala can learn more by visiting omni50thgala.org or calling (847) 353-1606.
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