The Bridge agency's Secret Garden gala raises nearly $100,000
The Bridge Youth and Family Services Secret Garden Gala, held in April, raised nearly $100,000 to benefit services and programs provided by the 52-year-old nonprofit, which is based in Palatine.
The black-tie event was attended by nearly 200 people, and held at Chandler's Banquets in Schaumburg. The funds raised resulted in part, from silent and live auctions, and generous donations from attendees during the Fund-A-Cause portion of the event program.
Executive Director Gregg Stockey spoke to the guests about the many tools that are needed to ensure children who experience trauma can overcome challenges, and reach their full potential in life.
"Our counselors and mentors help children develop good coping skills to manage life's difficulties. In doing so, they help to create meaningful lives that include success and service to others. This work truly benefits our entire community as a whole," Stockey said.
Two-year board member Melanie Santostefano shared her personal experiences as a teenager, coping with a volatile divorce between her parents.
"One thing that made all the difference in how we survived this; my two younger brothers and I were referred to an agency just like The Bridge," Santostefano said. "The good people we encountered 'worked on the front lines' just as the counselors and mentors at The Bridge do, today. It's the reason I now give back, and I invite everyone to get involved and support this amazing organization that is a true safety-net for young people in crisis." The nearly $100,000 in funds raised were edged up by $10,000 through a matching gift challenge, pledged by Sue and Norm Abazoris of Inverness. The couple have been strong supporters and volunteers at the The Bridge for the last 25 years.
The matching gift challenge is in effect until June 30, and applies to both new, and current supporters. New donors will have their donation matched dollar for dollar. Donations from current supporters that are above and beyond the previous year donation will also be matched, dollar for dollar.
Donations can be mailed to: The Bridge Youth and Family Services, Attention: Development Department, 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067.
For information, contact Development Director Alana Flatley at (847) 485-3087.
"The Bridge" provides child and family counseling, crisis intervention, prevention and volunteer services. Fees are based on family income and financial situation, and no family is turned away due to the inability to pay. For information about The Bridge, visit www.BridgeYouth.org.
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