Arts gala aids Catholic Charities’ emergency services
October 31, 2011 6:38PM
John Gresens and artist Carolyn McMahon, both of Lake Forest.
BENEFITING: Catholic Charities Emergency Services Programs
DATE: Sept. 9, 2011
LOCATION: Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom
ATTENDED: 500+
RAISED: $150,000
Article Extras
Updated: November 30, 2011 12:43PM
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago staged its 10th annual Gala of the Arts Sept. 9. More than 500 benefactors gathered in Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom to benefit the organization’s Emergency Services Programs for people in crisis.
The evening’s net proceeds of $150,000 will provide food, clothing, shelter and supportive services to the increasing number of individuals and families who find themselves with an urgent need and reside in Cook or Lake counties. Catholic Charities’ eight emergency service centers annually assist more than 160,000 people regardless of creed, race or economic status.
“Jeff and I are honored to chair the gala again this year and hope everyone has a better understanding of the compassionate care and commitment of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities provides numerous supportive services while treating clients with dignity and respect,” said Gloria Schwartz of Oak Park who chaired the event with her husband, Jeffrey. “We applaud the talented and generous Midwest artists who exhibited and sold their juried works, generously donating at least 50 percent of their proceeds to support Catholic Charities ongoing Emergency Services Programs.”
The black-tie fundraiser also honored Ellen and Charles Mulaney, Lincoln Park residents, with the Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago’s annual Mandatum award for their devotion to justice and charity for all people.
An encore performance of “Under the Streetlamp” entertained guests with a lively musical performance in which Michael Ingersoll, Shonn Wiley, Michael Cunio and Christopher Kale Jones, the four stars of the long-running Chicago production of “Jersey Boys,” performed an intimate concert.
The juried art show and sale featured local nationally and internationally recognized artists Carol Nies Bilder, Jacqueline Blatchford, Eddie Corkery, Tom DeMint, Leslie Emery, Elizabeth Freyou, Karen Hohman, Diane Huff, Paul Kreutziger, Peggy Macnamara, Carolyn and Mark McMahon, Lynn Miller, Mary Jo O’Gara, Alejandro Romero, and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks.
For more information, visit catholiccharities.net.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment