FamilyForward fundraiser nets $65,000 to empower local low-income, working families

The community stepped up in a big way last month for FamilyForward's annual premier fundraiser event, Giving Hope. After 2 plus years of virtual activities, the event, held Sunday, Oct. 2, featured a homecoming theme. Attendees gathered for a festive fall luncheon at Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, for Giving Hope: Home Coming, and in the process raised over $65,000 to empower low-income, working families across the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Giving Hope: Home Coming included a silent auction and raffle; cash bar and gourmet lunch buffet with carving station; livestreaming of the Bears game; a warm welcome by members of the Prospect High School Poms squad; entertainment by members of the Hersey High School Choir; a special appearance by Don "Da Coach" Fueling; and a live appeal to raise funds for families. Participants were also invited to wear their high school or college colors to celebrate the homecoming theme.

One program highlight was the stirring and inspirational testimony from a single parent who recently completed the intensive two-year family program at FamilyForward. The parent shared her family's story of rising above overwhelming challenges to find hope and a path forward toward a better life, thanks to the support, empowerment and consistent encouragement she received from the staff and volunteer mentors at FamilyForward.

Erica Chianelli, who has just reached one year on the job as executive director at FamilyForward, reflected on the experience: "I am still in awe at the generosity of all our supporters. From the sponsors to the prize donors; the attendees to the donors; the bidders to the volunteers; to the powerful family story - it was inspiring and motivating."

This year's Giving Hope goal was to raise at least $50,000 to help client families as they continue to face struggles only aggravated by the pandemic, inflation and ever-rising costs for rental housing.

"We are thrilled that our supporters made sure that we not only met our goal, but exceeded it, by more than $15,000," said Tim Wayman, chair of the organization's board of directors.

Based in Arlington Heights and serving the Northwest suburbs since 2003, FamilyForward works to strengthen and empower low-income, working families by providing rent assistance and mentoring services for up to two years. Its targeted program helps participants learn and put into practice solid financial principles and develop important career-advancement and life skills. Families meet with trained volunteer mentors and professional coaches throughout their time in the program with the ultimate objective to achieve financial stability and independence. To learn more about FamilyForward and how to get involved, visit family-forward.org.