Celebration of Hope Unites 200 community leaders in support of Rolling Meadows residents in crisis
Approximately 200 community members, business leaders, elected officials and first responders, representing more than 50 organizations, gathered Thursday, Oct. 29, at LaMirage Events for the city of Rolling Meadows Department of Human Services’ annual Celebration of Hope fundraising luncheon.
This year’s theme, “Hope Grows Here,” celebrated the power of community partnerships, honored individuals making a difference in the lives of others and raised more than $48,000 for the Hope Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to Rolling Meadows residents facing unexpected crises.
Honoring Three Community Leaders
Launched in late 2021 and led by the city’s Department of Human Services, the Hope Fund helps residents affected by domestic violence, crime, family tragedies and other emergencies. By bringing together human services professionals, police officers, firefighters, city staff, businesses and community partners, the fund allows the city to respond quickly and compassionately when residents need immediate help.
This year’s luncheon recognized three Hope Award recipients: Eugenia “Genie” Arango, Rachel Noltner and Renee Urbanski. Each shared what inspires their commitment to service.
Renee Urbanski spoke about nurturing children and supporting the parents who raise them, highlighting programs that create opportunities for children while strengthening families.
Rachel Noltner emphasized showing up when people need support, whether through direct assistance, financial contributions or investment in programs that improve quality of life. She also highlighted the transformative role of financial literacy in helping families build stability.
Genie Arango reflected on the values her parents instilled in her, particularly the belief that serving one’s community is not simply an act of generosity but a responsibility. Her message showed how values passed between generations can inspire a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Together, the honorees’ remarks reinforced a shared message: community impact takes many forms, from building programs and sharing knowledge to offering financial support and simply being present when someone needs help.
Planting Seeds of Hope
The master of ceremonies for the luncheon was Dr. Natalia Nieves, director of Human Services for the city of Rolling Meadows and founder and president of the Hope Fund. Drawing on the event’s theme, she reflected on how small acts of generosity, collaboration and encouragement can grow into opportunities that change lives.
“The success of this year’s Celebration of Hope is a beautiful reflection of what can happen when a community chooses to come together with a shared purpose,” Dr. Nieves said. “Having approximately 200 people in the room and representatives from more than 50 organizations is incredibly meaningful. Whether it’s financial support, expertise, programs, connections or simply a willingness to show up, these contributions create opportunities for people to find stability, rebuild and move forward. Hope grows when we invest in one another.”
Attendees included State Sen. Mark Walker, State Reps. Nicolle Grasse and Mary Beth Canty, all members of the Rolling Meadows City Council; City Manager Rob Sabo; and representatives of the city’s police and fire departments, along with numerous business and nonprofit partners.
The City and the Hope Fund extended gratitude to the sponsors who made this year’s celebration possible:
Diamond Sponsors: AAEC Credit Union, LaMirage Events, the city of Rolling Meadows mayor and city council, Pasta di Casa, Village Bank & Trust and Walmart.
Platinum Sponsors: BluSky, IAT Insurance Group, Motorola Solutions Foundation and Spotnails.
Gold Sponsors: 180 Chicago Church, Advance Preschool Inc., Alero Financial, BEAR Construction, Harper College, Law Office of RSB Ltd., Northwest Suburban College, Rolling Meadows Library and Shamrock Fire Protection LLC.
Silver Sponsors: District 214 Education Foundation, Lulu’s, Partners on the Journey, Rep’s Place, Roses by Moses, State Rep. Nicolle Grasse, Storino, Ramello & Durkin, Sue Walton and TuFamilia Church.
Special thanks go to Diamond Sponsor LaMirage Events, whose generosity and hospitality were truly what made this year’s celebration so special. Its elegant venue, exquisite food and first-rate sound and technology created a memorable afternoon for honorees and guests alike and made a tremendous difference in the success of the event.
This support, along with the participation of countless community partners, helps ensure the Hope Fund can continue providing timely assistance to residents in need. As the Fund grows, its mission remains grounded in a simple belief: no one should have to face a crisis without knowing their community is there to help.
About the Hope Fund
The Hope Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2021 to provide emergency financial assistance to Rolling Meadows residents experiencing unexpected crises, including domestic violence, crime, family tragedies and other unforeseen hardships. Led by the city of Rolling Meadows Department of Human Services, the Fund works with city departments, community organizations, businesses and individual donors to help residents navigate difficult circumstances and regain stability. Contributions directly support individuals and families in need.