Metropolitan DuPage Gala returns in-person May 5

Leaders from DuPage County's civic, business and philanthropic communities will gather at the 22nd annual DuPage Gala on Friday, May 5.

ABC 7 Chicago's weekend sports anchor Dionne Miller will emcee the event from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Bobak's Signature Events, 6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge.

This year the DuPage Gala will feature a Metropolitan DuPage client family who has benefitted tremendously from the Supporting Housing Initiative for Families in Transition program, a partnered initiative otherwise known as "SHIFT."

It's a story of preservation and triumph, as SHIFT is committed to directly impacting the lives of DuPage County residents by helping them successfully transition to stable living environments.

• Elizabeth, a 26-year-old mother who had been homeless, was accepted into SHIFT, which is provided by Catholic Charities in partnership with the YWCA and Metropolitan Family Services. Elizabeth and her three children received housing support/case management from Catholic Charities, a career coach through YWCA, and behavioral health services through Metropolitan Family Services. Elizabeth has been utilizing these services since 2018.

• SHIFT allows Elizabeth's therapist at Metropolitan DuPage to see Elizabeth at home, virtually, or in-office.

• In addition to SHIFT, two of Elizabeth's children are in Metropolitan's Head Start program. Elizabeth is actively involved with Head Start and is regularly in contact with her children's school. Her oldest daughter is receiving services from MFS as well.

• Metropolitan DuPage staff are pleased to help give Elizabeth and her children a "wraparound" services experience, designed to meet their comprehensive needs.

This year's DuPage Gala will feature Elizabeth's story.

In addition, the gala will recognize its Roger K. Johnson Leadership Awardees from the past three years - Mary Ann and Paul Travers, Mike Skarr and Paul Pyrcik - for their commitment to Metropolitan and Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan DuPage. This year's gala will recognize the awardees in-person, as the last three galas were held virtually during the pandemic. For the bios of the honorees, visit metrofamily.org.

In addition to the client story above, the event also will feature silent and live auctions, cocktails and dinner, music and more. The 2023 DuPage Gala is chaired by Metropolitan DuPage Board members Dan McGowan and Emily Shupe.

Metropolitan DuPage Mpowers more than 36,000 families and individuals each year. For tickets to the DuPage Gala and sponsorships, visit www.metrofamily.org/dupagegala or call (312) 986-4225.

Since 1930, Metropolitan Family Services DuPage has empowered DuPage County's most vulnerable children and families. Whether through early childhood education, parent education, therapy and mental health services, or services for older adults and caregivers, they equip individuals and families to learn, to earn, to heal and to thrive. Serving all communities of DuPage County, including Wheaton, Elmhurst, Naperville, West Chicago, Woodridge and Addison.