Nicasa lauds longtime volunteer at Angel Ball

Nicasa celebrated the efforts of longtime volunteer Jim Snow Friday, Feb. 1, at its Angel Ball Fundraiser. Snow began his service with Nicasa in 1998, when he joined the volunteer Golf Outing committee.

“I started as a volunteer on the golf committee because I love golf,” Snow said. “Little did I know that 15 years later I’d still be involved, not because of the golf, but because of the incredible rewards of working with great people and helping those in need.”

Snow strengthened his relationship with Nicasa in 2003 when he became a member of the Board of Directors. He now serves as Second Vice President of the Executive Committee.

Snow was chosen as honoree for the Angel Ball by Nicasa’s Women’s Auxiliary, a group of women who volunteer to organize projects and special events. The auxiliary is led by Chairwoman Julie Pawl, a real estate agent with @ Properties.

The event was chaired by auxiliary member Kathleen Collins, who has personally felt the devastating effects of alcohol and drug abuse with the loss of her young nephew to a boating accident last summer.

The driver who struck and killed the boy is alleged to have had alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

“Nicasa’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent and treat substance abuse has always seemed an important goal to me, especially because Nicasa serves our local area,” Collins said.

“It is imperative that we support Nicasa and all their wonderful programs so we can prevent tragedies like this.”

The event was held at the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, with nearly 175 community members in attendance. The Mardi Gras-themed evening included dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Sponsors for the Angel Ball included: Baxter, BMO Harris Bank, Colbert Packaging and Peter & Valery Gallagher. All proceeds from the event support Nicasa’s services throughout Lake County.

Nicasa is a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization that is helping build brighter futures for vulnerable and at-risk children, adults and families in Lake County and northern Illinois.

Founded in 1966, Nicasa’s network of dedicated and caring professionals has been pioneering award-winning efforts in prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery.

Core services include substance abuse treatment programs, in-school and after school programs, family therapy, Teen Court, parent education classes, counseling, comprehensive women’s services and a residential recovery program.

For more information about Nicasa, visit www.nicasa.org.