Saint Joseph Auxiliary raises funds at Gala

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The Ecker Center of Elgin held its 11th annual Festival of Trees at the Centre in downtown Elgin on Nov. 12. Among those taking part in the evening’s events were (from left) Terry Dunning, auctioneer; committee member Laurie Bitter; Karen Beyer, Executive Director of Ecker Center and Rick Jakle, emcee for the evening.

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Updated: January 12, 2012 8:14AM

An elegant evening

The 2011 Provena St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary Gala “Cirque” was a huge success. The auxiliary is grateful to all donors, sponsors, volunteers and attendees who supported the hospital’s annual benefit gala, which was held Oct. 22 at the Stonegate Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates.

The enchanting artistry of “Le Cirque” was shared by the 280 guests in attendance as they enjoyed an evening filled with good food, great music, entertainment, wonderful friends and, more importantly, helped the auxiliary raise funds for the benefit of Provena St. Joseph Hospital.

Dr. Eugene McMahon, Provena St. Joseph Hospital president and chief executive officer, gave special recognition to Guy Wiebking, past Provena Health President/CEO who has become board chairman of the newly merged Provena Health and Resurrection Health systems. Dr. McMahon also recognized the auxiliary for its long history of fundraising for the hospital.

Auxiliary president Pat Winesburg and gala chairman Kathy Fester were excited about the event theme and the community response. The centerpiece vase auction was a new feature that received rave reviews.

Many physicians were on hand to congratulate Dr. Ramesh Khanna who received the Vikram Shah Award. This award is presented by the hospital medical staff in recognition of a physician’s work with patients and the community as a role model of the late Dr. Shah.

Also at the gala were Ian and Lisa Lamp of Lamp Construction, Jack and Marlene Shales and their family and Merrie and John Derderian from WR Meadows. Additional attendees included auxiliary members Mary Ann Simukus and husband John; recent DOVE Award recipients Pat and Don Torisky, Lil Pagni of Hampshire with daughters Luci Miller and Nora Weiler, Doris Morency, Diane Robertson, John and Pat Wisdom, Pat and Kathy Hannell, Mike and Kelly McKay, Sandy and Fred Imming, Roger and Donna Burnidge and Hospital board members Art and Sharon Sauceda, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Kogan, Dr. and Mrs. Sandja Cherala and Pat and Dan Szpekowski.

Festival of Trees

The Ecker Center of Elgin held its 11th annual Festival of Trees at the Centre of Elgin on Nov. 12. Among those taking part in the evening’s events were Terry Dunning, auctioneer; committee member Laurie Bitter; Karen Beyer, executive director of Ecker Center and Rick Jakle, emcee for the evening.

Guests arrived early, attired with a touch of glitz (as suggested by the committee). This gave everyone an opportunity to browse and enjoy selecting their tree of choice. The talented Jessica Wendt Jazz group from Northern Illinois University played selections of familiar tunes. Guests enjoyed excellent food amid the glitter and glamour of decorated trees, wreaths and beautiful menorahs.

Executive Director Karen Beyer expressed gratitude to the 125 or more guests and the committee, led by Laurie Bitter, who made the entire evening possible. Proceeds from the gala will support the many programs of the Ecker Center for Mental Health, which includes psychiatry, nursing care, management, therapy, rehabilitation, crisis and residential services.

Among major sponsors were EFS Foundation, IHC Construction, Harvey & Ethel Daeumer Foundation, Shales McNutt Construction, Jack and Marlene Shales, Walmart and KCT Credit Union, to name a few.

Among those spotted bidding and enjoying the evening were Lois Myers Bauer, Carol Hieber and Gina Lempa. For more information about the Ecker Center for Mental Health, call 847-888-2665.

Winter Wonderland

Nov. 19 marked the 123rd annual charity ball given by the Fideliter Club of Elgin. The proceeds from the ball — A Winter Wonderland Gala — ball’s proceeds benefit children with needs in the Fox Valley area. As guests arrived, they were in awe of the beautiful decorations of feathers, the color turquoise and a beautiful ice sculpture.

More than 130 guests were in attendance and raised a substantial amount for charity. This successful event came to life under the guidance of member Angie Young, the ball chairwoman. Her magical theme was brought to life by the talents of Sheri Darmon, Karen Boyer and their committee. President Kathy Hannell said she was so grateful that during these tough economic times, the charity ball’s guests and Fideliter Club members reached into their hearts and were so generous.

After dinner, guests enjoyed and danced to the music of Lisa McClowry and Company. For more information about the charity ball or to donate to this worthwhile cause to benefit area needs, call Betsy Cappos at 847-742-4086.

Among guests enjoying the evening were Matt and Melody Wilson from Little Angels and Deanna Young from Schaumburg, as well as Gloria Verbic, Marilyn Henry and Fred and Sandy Imming.

Places to be seen

The First Congregational Church of Elgin will host Joy to the World — A Community Christmas Carol Sing-a-long at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at 256 E. Chicago St. For more information, call 847-741-4045.

Home for Christmas, an evening of music featuring Barlow Girl, will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. For information, call 847-951-5900.

The Elgin Community College Foundation presents the 13th annual Founders Day Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at Fox Valley University Business Center at ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. For more details, call Katie Michel at 847-214-7377.

Why not enjoy a hilarious smash hit musical? The Marriott Theater kicks off the 2012 season with the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical “Legally Blond”. This Broadway sensation previews Jan. 13, opens Jan. 27, and runs through March 25 at the Marriott, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, starring Chelsea Packard. For ticket information, call the Marriott Box Office at 847-634-0200.