Supporters Gather to Celebrate Deborah’s Place
2008 Gala Makes History!
Friday, May 30, 2008–The 2008 Gala was the highest grossing gala in the history of Deborah’s Place! The gala grossed over $191,000 this year and exceeded revenue expectations. Thanks to our wonderful supporters and auctioneer Jeff Brown, the live auction raised over $28,000 and the gala paddle raise brought in a whopping $45,000 for Deborah’s Place programs and operations! Ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and contributions generated over $85,000. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s gala!
The International Ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel was a bustle with friends and supporters of Deborah’s Place, as we hosted our 14th Annual Gala. Guests were treated to musical entertainment from Stephanie Browning and the JP5, a delicious steak dinner and an exciting live auction. Kathy Brock, the evening news anchor on ABC-7 was a gracious emcee and she spoke eloquently of her personal connections to Deborah’s Place and the women we serve.
Janet Krehbiel-Pieracci was presented with the 2008 Patty Crowley Award. Janet served twelve years as a board member, and served two terms as board president. Janet continues her support of Deborah’s Place through chairing the President’s Circle , former board members who have committed to fundraising for the organization. Janet and her husband Harry are also Partners in Hope, the multi-year giving community of Deborah’s Place.
(pictured above: Executive Director Audrey Thomas and Janet Krehbiel-Pieracci)
The Deborah’s Place Diva’s were honored with the 2008 Renewal of Spirit Award, given to a Deborah’s Place participant or participants who make a significant contribution to furthering the mission of Deborah’s Place. Five Divas attended the event and accepted the award for efforts to welcome new tenants to the Deborah’s Place apartments. The Divas spoke about their belief that it is their responsibility to give back in appreciation for the help that they have received.
(pictured above: The Deborah’s Place Divas)
Auctioneer Jeff Brown of Ace Auctioneers captivated the audience with an exciting live auction and paddle raise at the conclusion of the awards presentation. Some live auction packages included a Chef for a Day package with Moto’s Homaro Cantu of Iron Chef America fame, tickets to the Bears vs. New Orleans’ Saints game, and two different sailing packages-just to name a few.
The evening concluded with the highly anticipated raffle drawing for VIP Oprah tickets, courtesy of Kim Cole (Deborah’s Place board Vice President), Diamond Bank and Nate Berkus of The Oprah Show.
Deborah’s Place would like to thank all of our gala contributors. Through your attendance and support, our Fourteenth Annual gala was an overwhelming success. A special thank you for all the hard work from our Gala Committee, especially co-chairs Coral Cawthorn-Zake and Margaret Douglas. Thank you also to our presenting sponsor, The Northern Trust Company.
(pictured above: Board Members Kim Cole, Margaret Douglas, and Coral Cawthorn-Zake)
Other sponsors-
Platinum: The Northern Trust Company
Gold Sponsors: Diamond Bank, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Silver Sponsors: Applegate & Thorne-Thompson, P.C., Fifth Third Bank, ING Investment Management, Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union, The Plexus Groupe with ING and Guardian Insurance Company, The Private Bank
Bronze Sponsors: Beatrice and Leo Koonman, Perry Development Group, The Margot and Thomas Pritzker Family Foundation