Catholic Charities benefit raises $118,000
The virtual home-based museum at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills was once again the site of the Catholic Charities Hearts for Homeless Families “The 8th Wonder of the World Tour” dinner and auction in April.
And, once again, its treasures of antique music, arcade and gambling machines, Tiffany, music boxes, phonographs and coin operated pianos wowed the crowd of more than 320.
The attendees opened their hearts and their wallets, netting more than $118,000 to support Catholic Charities Northwest Regional Services and the New Hope Apartments Program, an innovative, supportive housing program designed to help end the cycle of homelessness for local families.
“The economic downturn has decreased the bottom line 10 to 25 percent for many fundraisers,” said Mary Insprucker, Catholic Charities’ Northwest Regional director. “To have Hearts for Homeless Families make approximately 16 percent over our 2011 event numbers is an unbelievable blessing.”
Insprucker attributes a portion of the increase to auction items at the affair, which included a unique chef table dinner at the Grand Victoria Casino prepared by Executive Chef Glenn Keenan; an exceptional way to experience the Chicago Air and Water show aboard a private yacht; a private cocktail party for 50 at the Sanfilippo Estate; and an on-air opportunity with WGN’s Garry Meier.
Sponsors also pushed the goal over the finish line. They included Schneider Electric, The Overture Group, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, American Family Insurance, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Alexian Brothers Health System, Lavelle Law, Ltd., The Healy Law Firm, Encompass Insurance, Golf Nation, Saint Francis Hospital, Rivers Casino, and Independent Order of Foresters, Branch LAGO 1302.
However, Insprucker said, it was the Hearts Committee that really brought it home.
“When we were low on sponsors or auction items, they dug deep and stretched their comfort level to garner more support,” Insprucker said. “When ticket sales were down, they got them back up. Simply put, the team rose to every occasion and answered every call to action.”
The affair was emceed by award-winning WGN radio host Garry Meier.
The Carousel Building, which houses an 1890 restored European carousel, an 1881 Grant Locomotive, and a street clock that stands 20 feet tall, was the gathering location for the dinner and auctions.
Catholic Charities Northwest Region office is at 1717 Rand Road, in Des Plaines. The office serves the communities of: Barrington, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Dundee, Palatine, Inverness, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights, Wheeling, Mt. Prospect, Des Plaines, Harwood Heights, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood.
For information about the Northwest Region office, call (847) 376-2100.
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