TriCity Family Services rolls out red carpet for Hollywood-themed gala
More than 360 attendees dressed in their Hollywood finest turned out to support TriCity Family Services at its Walk of Fame Gala March 9 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
The 30th annual gala is the agency's largest fundraiser of the year to benefit counseling services and mental health programs. This year's event was co-chaired by Kanoshia Ferguson and Michelle Rollins.
Ron Onesti, president and CEO of the Arcada Theatre, returned as the event's master of ceremonies and was joined onstage by Raising Paddles' auctioneer Dan Campbell.
During a VIP Pre-Party, local celebrities and dignitaries, as well as top Gala sponsors and TriCity Family Services' board of directors, enjoyed photo opportunities, complimentary signature cocktails, sweet treats provided by Graham's Chocolates, and live vocals by Bill Froula.
Special guests in attendance included St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina and wife, Diane Cullen; Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns; Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, and 95.9 The River's Scott Mackay and wife, Susie.
The main event kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests sampled butler-passed hors d'oeuvres, enjoyed live swing and jazz music provided by The Nite Hawks, posed for pictures with movie star look-alikes on the red carpet, and sipped French 75 signature cocktails, sponsored by Sterling Bank.
As guests moved into the St. Charles Ballroom for a sit-down dinner, they were treated to petit duets of filet and grilled shrimp, and concluded the meal with tuxedoed strawberries atop slices of cheesecake.
Fundraising highlights during the dinner program included live and silent auctions, wine and whiskey pulls, showcase raffle displays, and several other interactive activities.
Three moving testimonials honoring those who have faced mental health challenges were shared with the audience, including parents of twin girls who sought out TriCity Family Services for getting help in managing their daughters' struggles with anorexia during high school, and a client who recited a letter she had written to herself about working through anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, concluding with a grateful message to her TriCity Family Services' therapist for helping take away most of the fear she was living with every single day and giving her the tools to work through the fear should it return.
The final presentation of the night came from the Gala's auctioneer, whose family has openly shared their story of loss in dealing with their daughter's tragic death several years ago. Following his personal account, Campbell invited two gentlemen onstage to perform a musical tribute in memory of McKenna Campbell, who had struggled with anxiety and depression. Jack Fargotstein and Jeremy Schmetterer, also known as The Motel Brothers, sang "I Want You to Know" (McKenna's song), written in loving memory of McKenna, who became their friend while the three attended the University of Missouri. The singers expressed the importance of "reaching out to those you love and telling them how much they matter," and also told attendees that they will be donating streaming profits of their single to TriCity Family Services, in support of mental health.
The presentation of the Golden Heart Awards for long-standing and meritorious philanthropic support of the organization recognized this year's recipients: Bobbi and Jim Alderfer, individual or couple; FONA International, corporation or foundation; and St. John Neumann Catholic Church, community group or organization.
A glam-filled evening, a heart-filled program in support of the agency's mission, and a venue filled with people produced an unforgettable evening for TriCity Family Services.
The Walk of Fame Gala raised $90,000 to strengthen people and build community through the provision of quality, affordable counseling, youth crisis intervention, prevention and early-intervention services that promote sound mental health and effective family functioning.
Sponsors for the Walk of Fame included: Sterling Bank, The Oscar; The Reese Family Charitable Foundation, Composer; Napleton's Valley Hyundai, Paparazzi; Linden Oaks, Set Design; Kluber Architects + Engineers, Realtor Association of the Fox Valley, Stumm Insurance, TriCity Family Services' Board of Directors, and Vanishing Ink Laser Aesthetics Center, Hollywood "A" List; and Glancer Magazine, Media Sponsor. Special acknowledgment to TriCity Family Services' Corporate Partners in Caring: Exelon Generation, Leader; Aldi; FONA International, and Fox Valley Medical Associates, Pacesetters; DHJJ; Doran Scales; Fox Valley Orthopedics; K. Hollis Jewelers; Kloberdanz Oral Surgery; Mason, Faith & Brammeier; Nicor Gas and St. Charles Bank & Trust, Supporters.
About TriCity Family Services:
Since 1967, TriCity Family Services has been Kane County's leading provider of counseling and other mental health services to clients of all ages and all income levels. As a community-based, nonprofit agency, TriCity Family Services serves clients of every economic level within the community, accepting most major insurance plans, offering sliding-scale fee adjustments and not denying services based on an inability to pay. TriCity Family Services is committed to helping clients strengthen themselves, their families and their communities.
The agency's experienced team of professional therapists provides the residents of Central Kane County and other neighboring Chicago communities with counseling, family-based treatment for eating disorders, emotional wellness workshops and support groups, and employee assistance programs.