Please note:
Please check back for updates on our Dinner Dance schedule.
Shelter, Care and Educate the Needy
Each year we gather at this black-tie optional event to raise money and awareness for three ministries at Most Blessed Trinity, our sharing parish, in Waukegan.
FOOD PANTRY
According to Northern IL Food Bank, in Lake County, 1 out of 5 children and 1 out of 7 adults go to bed hungry every night. The Food Pantry distributes 2 TONS of food each month. In FY2016, they served 30,312 individuals. Learn more about how the Food Pantry helps those in need by viewing a 'Story of Hope' video below.
Today, abused women and their children have nowhere to turn in our area. All of the shelters in Waukegan, North Chicago and the surrounding areas are full. We have renovated and opened a domestic violence shelter, named House of Peace, for these women and their children to live in peacefully and escape the source of this violence, and start the long journey back to normalcy and peace. The shelter has nine bedrooms. This shelter meets all government regulations and provides support to those who experience this type of abuse. Funds raised will help the House of Peace and support ongoing expenses.
Since opening in Nov 2011, HOP provided residence to 54 families and 105 children. In 2015, 600 individuals were supported with counseling & support services through the Family Wellness program which provides information about available healthcare, legal & safety-net resources and Job Skill Training Programs. At HOP, these women and their children can live peacefully, escape the source of this violence and start the long journey back to normalcy and independence. The shelter meets all government regulations. Funds raised will help the House of Peace continue these valuable services.
Most Blessed Trinity Academy, a pre-K through 8th elementary school with approximately 248 students, serves the low income community of Waukegan and North Chicago. Currently 69% of the families receive some sort of tuition assistance and 85% of the children qualify for free or reduced lunch meaning they live at or below the U.S. Poverty Level. In 2017, that was $24,300 for a family of four.
The event will include cocktails, dinner and dancing. As part of the event, we plan to have a silent and live auction. The event will be black tie optional and we hope to have 250 attendees or more.
We are asking you to consider making a donation of an item or a monetary contribution to this benefit. Your donation will be acknowledged with your item, as well as, in our event brochure. If you would like to make a financial donation, you can direct it to St. Patrick Church. At the conclusion of the event, you will receive a letter stating the value of your donation for income tax purposes.
Join us this year as we dine, dance, and raise funds to support these wonderful ministries just 20 minutes north of St. Patrick Church. Together we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Mark Condic
Tony Coughlan
Peggy Gaier
John Lucas
Pat Lucas
Veronica Pantelis