Deborah's Place

Deborah’s Place Hosts Press Conference for 100,000 Homes Campaign’s Registry Week

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:03:28 +0000

On the sunny morning of August 18, 2010, Deborah’s Place hosted a press conference to kick off Chicago’s Registry Week for Common Ground’s 100,000 Homes Campaign– a nationwide effort to place the most vulnerable homeless residents in permanent housing. A crowd of 40 press representatives and other campaign supporters gathered in the courtyard of Deborah’s Place’s Rebecca Johnson Apartments to hear comments from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Family and Support Services Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron, Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness CEO Nancy Radner, Deborah’s Place Executive Director Audrey Thomas, and Deborah’s Place tenant Pam Boyd.

Mayor Daley speaks about homelessness in Chicago while officials and Homeless Services providers look on. Click here to view the press release at the City of Chicago’s website.

Deborah’s Place is a proud participant in the 100,000 Homes Campaign, which seeks to locate and house the more vulnerable, longest-term homeless residents through grassroots efforts. Chicago Registry Week will mobilize hundreds of volunteers to create a by-name registry of those who are staying on the streets and in shelters. To learn more about the campaign, visit the City of Chicago’s website and the National 100,000 Homes Campaign website. The Campaign was also featured on ABC 7, NBC Chicago, WGN TV, the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun-Times.


Deborah’s Place participants, press representatives, supportive housing providers, and other campaign supporters were able to network before and after the presentation.	Mayor Daley speaks with Deborah’s Place COO Kathy Booton-Wilson and Executive Director Audrey Thomas.

Mayor Daley greeted several Deborah’s Place participants at the event. Here, Rebecca Johnson Apartments tenant Ruby Thurman meets Mayor Daley while other participants, staff, and supporters look on.

Deborah’s Place is proud to partner with the Department of Family and Support Services, the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and the Chicago Police Department Crisis Intervention Services team in this important campaign.

Jeans Event to Benefit Deborah’s Place

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:30:36 +0000

Now through August 31st, the Shops at North Bridge will be collecting gently used jeans at their “Great Denim Days” event on the first floor of the store. Shoppers will be able to donate jeans to the women of Deborah’s Place in exchange for discounts and special offers at the Shops.

ABC7 News featured this event on their August 9, 2010 broadcast, which included advice on how to find jeans appropriate for your body type. Click the picture below to view the story.

This is the second year that the Shops at North Bridge is partnering with Deborah’s Place for this event, and we are so excited to be a beneficiary. Click here to read about last year’s event.

Interested in donating other items to Deborah’s Place? Click here for details!

Support Deborah’s Place at Trader Vic’s!

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:39:40 +0000

Trader Vic’s is dedicating Wednesday nights to the ladies of Chicago, and this Wednesday, August 4, 2010, to the women of Deborah’s Place!

Trader Vic’s will also be offering drink and dinner specials during “Ladies Night,” and a portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit Deborah’s Place. See the flyer below for details.

Hope to see you there!

Trader Vic’s is located at:

1030 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610-5476
Phone: (312) 642-6500

View Larger Map

Deborah’s Place Featured in the Chicago Tribune!

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:43:42 +0000

Deborah’s Place was featured in the Chicago Tribune on Friday, July 30, 2010. Pat Dunnigan’s story paints a beautiful picture of Deborah’s Place’s core vision of compassion throughout our 25 years.

Please click here to view “‘Housing first,’ help that lasts.”

25th Anniversary Celebration Event a Success!

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:51:49 +0000

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, Deborah’s Place celebrated a quarter century of service at the 25th Anniversary Celebration Event at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Almost 270 friends and supporters gathered together for a sold-out event celebrating 25 years of breaking the cycle of homelessness for women in Chicago. The memorable evening featured an exciting live auction and paddle raise, thirteen raffle packages, and a seated dinner, and raised over $80,000 for Deborah’s Place! The event was featured in several media outlets: Crain’s Chicago Business Blog, on the ABC 7 news, and on the NBC 5 News.


Guests strolled throughout the conservatory during the champagne reception and read about Deborah’s Place 25-year history along the way	Board Member Paul Haase and wife Melissa Haase enjoy the event with Anca Burke and Josh Burke, President of the Professional Auxiliary Board

The event drew supporters from throughout Deborah’s Place’s 25 year history, including many from around the country. The current Board of Directors also hosted a pre-event Champagne reception for all former board members of the organization.


Cheryl Kobetsky leads the pre-reception champagne toast for former and current board members and friends	Sister Patty Crowley, Deborah’s Place Executive Director from 1991-2004, happily poses with former board members, Maureen McGowan Milner (l) and Beth Pearson (r), who traveled across the country to be at this special Celebration

An exciting feature of the event were the 8 live auction packages and 13 raffle packages, put together from donations from local businesses and individuals. This year, items included a Chef for a Day with Homaro Cantu of Moto Restaurant, a VIP package of dinner, art, opera, and accommodations, tickets to various regional sporting events, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the ABC 7 Studios with Kathy Brock, who was also the evening’s emcee. The event also featured a paddle raise, which brought in over $28,000! Click here for a list of live auction and raffle items featured at the Event.


Emcee and ABC 7 News Anchor, Kathy Brock, works with Auctioneer Jeff Brown to excite the crowd and entice guests to bid on her auction item during the Live Auction	Deborah’s Place friend, Jackie Grazulis, had a very lucky night and won no less than three raffle packages!

Several awards were also presented to those who have supported Deborah’s Place. Joanna Rupp accepted the 2010 Patty Crowley Award, The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services received the Hope and Home Award, and the women of Deborah’s Place were granted the Renewal of Spirit Award.

Roxana, a tenant of Deborah’s Place and a “Deborah’s Place Diva” displays the Renewal of Spirit Award, which she accepted on behalf of all of the women of Deborah’s Place. Another Deborah’s Place tenant Ayisha, is by her side.

Joanna Rupp gives a moving speech about her experience at Deborah’s Place after accepting the Patty Crowley Award

Debra Janiszewski, the Director of the Homeless Division of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, accepted the 25th Anniversary Hope & Home Award on behalf of CDFSS

Thank you to the individuals who dedicated their time, energy, and support to the event this year!

Silver Sponsors

Plexus Groupe
with Unum Provident
and ING Financial

Steering Committee

Coral Cawthorn-Zake, Co-Chair
Jerry Cholewa, Co-Chair
Catherine Colombo
Margaret Douglas
Ellen Gossage
Bonnie S. Hawkins
JoAnn Pinetti

Gold Sponsors

The Boeing Company
Fifth Third Bank
RR Donnelley

Celebration Committee

Mary Ashmore
Kimberly Cole
Darius Gill
Melissa Haase
Paul Haase
Glenda Peters
Kimberly Plummer
Judith Rayborn
Gail Russell
Jann Dragovich-Stulberg
Katrina Van Valkenburgh
Lisa Zambrano

Bronze Sponsors

Applegate &
Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.

Host Committee

The Deborah’s Place
President’s Circle:
Dana Brink
Joyce Dugan
Margaret Herring
Debbie Kleban
Cheryl Kobetsky
Janet Krehbiel Pieracci
Joanna Rupp

Celebration Co-Chair Coral Cawthorn-Zake (l), and President of the Board of Directors, Margaret Douglas

Celebration Co-Chair Jerry Cholewa (l), and Steering Committee and Board Member, Cathy Colombo

Missed the event? You may still make a contribution to the programs and services of Deborah’s Place here! Also, click here to view the remaining 25th Anniversary Events at Deborah’s Place.

Deborah’s Place Waiting Lists Opening!

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:55:08 +0000

Two programs of Deborah’s Place will open their waiting lists in the next few weeks.

The Rebecca Johnson Apartments will be opening their waiting list on Thursday, June 24th for 1 hour only: 1pm to 2pm. Applicants must be unaccompanied homeless females, aged 18 or older, who are not full-time students.

To apply, please come to 2822 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612.

Teresa’s Interim Housing Program will open their waiting list on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 8:00 am. Applicants must be unaccompanied homeless females, aged 18 or older.

Please call 312-944-8669 to complete an intake over the phone in order to be placed on the waiting list. If the phone is busy, please hang up and call back until your speak with an actual person. Messages left on the voice mail do not qualify anyone to be placed on the list.

Teresa’s will not complete intakes before 8:00 and does not accept walk ins. The Learning Center at 1532 N Sedgwick will be open early so that off-site women to be able to call to get on the waiting list.

Contribute to Deborah’s Place at Jam on July 10!

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:51:28 +0000

Nocturne: A Midnight Brunch and Benefit
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Jam - 937 N. Damen Avenue
Reception begins at 10:00 PM
Cost to enter the reception is a charitable donation at the door

Midnight Brunch seating at 11:30 PM
$55 per person
Call (773) 489-0302 for reservations
Contact Jerry Suqi at (312) 617-8711 with additional questions

Jam and Deborah’s Place are celebrating anniversaries together!

This month, Jam, a popular new brunch and dinner spot located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, will hold a midnight brunch to commemorate its one-year anniversary and to benefit Deborah’s Place.

Nocturne will be on Saturday, July 10, at Jam - 937 North Damen Avenue. It will start at 10:00 PM in the Sculpture Garden with an hour of passed canapes and live music from the band Leather Push. Immediately following will be an auction of original artworks from artists Dann Nardi, Keith Brownlee, Chuck Walter, and Slang, as well as rare vintage posters from Century Guild Decorative Arts.

This is Jam’s first-ever Midnight Brunch! Seating for this elegant and unprecedented four-course meal, prepared by Executive Chef Jeffrey Mauro (formerly of Charlie Trotter’s and North Pond), is extremely limited so make sure to reserve your seats as soon as possible by calling (773) 489-0302.

Nocturne: A Midnight Brunch and Benefit will launch a week-long anniversary celebration at Jam. From Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 16, diners at Jam will be treated to free coffee with every entree. And on Saturday, July 17, Jam will offer complimentary champagne to guests throughout the day.

Deborah’s Place Featured on US 99.5!

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:48:08 +0000

Hear a recent radio interview with Deborah’s Place’s Executive Director, Audrey Thomas, on US 99.5 (WUSN-FM). This segment aired on Sunday, June 13, 2010, on the Weekend Journal with Lisa Kosty.

This clip is in mp3 format, and can be played using the Apple QuickTime player, available for free download.

Auction and Raffle Items for the 25th Annual Celebration Event

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:10:14 +0000

Auction Items for the 25th Annual Celebration Event

Live Auction: Final List!

Can’t make it to the event but want a chance at winning one or more of these spectacular auction items? We are accepting absentee bids for the Live Auction between June 9 at 9:00 AM and June 15 at 5:00 PM. Click here to download an Absentee Bid Form.

#1: Behind the Scenes at ABC 7
Go behind the scenes with Kathy Brock at ABC 7! You and three guests will enjoy a guided tour of the ABC 7 newsroom and studio. In addition, you’ll be seated right on the set of the 6:00 p.m. newscast and watch Kathy Brock and Alan Krashesky deliver the news LIVE, and have the opportunity to take photos with the anchors after the broadcast! This offer expires on November 1, 2010. - Courtesy of ABC 7

Value: Priceless

#2: A Night in Italy
Lilia Pieracci, a native of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy along with daughter-in-law Janet Krehbiel Pieracci will create a regional dinner for eight in your home. The chefs will work with you to plan the menu. Possible menu items include: bruschetta or antipasti; a pasta course of paper-thin layers of spinach pasta in Lilia’s homemade lasagna ala Bolognese or homemade spinach and ricotta filled tortellacci with tomato cream sauce or pasta prosciutto; salad course; main course of prosciutto stuffed chicken breast, veal scaloppini, or roast rabbit; side dishes such as eggplant, artichokes, roast rosemary potatoes or roast fennel; and a fabulous dessert such as delicate lacy powder sugared “fritelle”, fresh berry tart and of course cheeses and fruit. They will also bring a sparkling Prosecco to start the meal and advise you on other wine selections to complement your meal. Restrictions: Call to arrange time prior to June 1, 2011. Not available at major holidays. Beverages not provided, except as noted. Chefs will take care of all of the clean up as an added bonus. - Courtesy of Lilia Pieracci and Janet Krehbiel Pieracci.

Value: $500

#4: Chef for a Day
If you think food is meant to be experienced with all of the senses, you will be in for a special treat when you work side-by-side with executive Chef Homaro Cantu at Moto Restaurant, home to Chicago’s most original dishes. You’ll learn Chef Cantu’s molecular gastronomy secrets first-hand, help the team prepare for the evening dinner service, and taste and experience the unique food and preparation styles that Chef Cantu is known for. Chef Cantu appeared on Food Network’s Iron Chef and hosts his own show, “Future Food”, with Moto pastry chef Ben Roche on Planet Green. - Courtesy of Moto Restaurant and Chef Homaro Cantu

Value: Priceless

#5: Viva Mexico!
Escape to a land of tropical luxury with a one-week stay at two-bedroom beachfront villa at the Royal Cancun Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The Royal Cancun has all of the amenities of a resort, but with a home away from home ambiance! You’ll be staying right on the Nichupte Lagoon, where you’ll have access to jet skis, kayaking, wave runners, snorkeling expeditions and free sailing. Travel to the nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum or the Isla Mujeres to shop, or to the sister resorts in the area. Your vacation will take place Saturday, January 22 through Saturday, January 29, 2011 – a perfect time to escape the Chicago winter. - Courtesy of Susan Sonderby and Family

Value: $1800

#6: Sip, Dine & Dream
The winner of this item will enjoy months worth of fine dining and a hotel stay to top it off. This special package includes a personal at-home wine tasting for up to 14 people ($350 value), and gift certificates to some of Chicago’s top restaurants: Sushi Samba ($100), Rhapsody ($50), Crofton on Wells ($50), Bella Notte ($50), Jam ($150), Palette Bistro ($50), Ina’s ($20), and The Tasting Room (wine tasting event.) In addition, you’ll enjoy a weekday stay at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. - Courtesy of Wines for Humanity, participating restaurants, Celebration Committee, and Paul and Melissa Haase

Value: $950

#7: Lakeside Cottage Stay
Treat yourself to a weekend stay (three days and two nights) at a beautiful, recently remodeled three bedroom two-story home overlooking Lake Koshkonong in south central Wisconsin, 30 miles southeast of Madison. This package also includes a handmade quilt, made specifically for Deborah’s Place, to cuddle up with on your relaxing weekend. - Courtesy of Gail Russell and Gerri Mead, and Ms. Antonette Trinchese

Value: $1000

#8: The VIP Treatment

Feel like royalty with this one-of-a-kind package! Enjoy a “VIP” dinner and tour of famed Tru Restaurant for up to 4 people, which includes complimentary champagne to start, a private tour of Tru’s renowned modern art collection and kitchen, a $350 gift certificate for dinner, and personalized menus as a memento of your experience. You’ll also receive two Main Floor, Lower Balcony tickets or Best Available to a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 2010-2011 Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance, accompanied by a CSO package filled with CD’s, books, and CSO attire. After the show, retire to Chicago’s Park Hyatt for a one-night stay (any night) in a Grand Deluxe King room. The next morning, enjoy breakfast from one of the greatest views of the city at NoMi Restaurant! - Courtesy of Tru, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Park Hyatt Chicago

Value: $1300

#9: Wine and Dine with Our Leaders
Margaret Douglas, President of the Deborah’s Place Board of Directors, will welcome you for a dinner for six in her home to get to know her and Deborah’s Place Executive Director Audrey Thomas! With 31 years of leadership between them, this is an opportunity to learn first-hand about the work of and women behind Deborah’s Place. - Courtesy of Margaret Douglas and Family, and Audrey Thomas and Michael Stanek

Value: Priceless

Questions? Contact Elizabeth Ashton Golden at egolden(at)deborahsplace.org or (773) 638-6539.

Raffle: Final List!

Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. You can choose to designate your raffle tickets to one package or as many of the 13 raffle packages as you desire.

To purchase raffle tickets in advance of the event, contact Elizabeth Ashton Golden at egolden@deborahsplace.org or (773) 638-6539.

1. Cubs Fanatic **Value $435

Authentic Louisville Slugger signed by Cubs Catcher, Geovany Soto ($200)
Two sets of tickets to Chicago Cubs home games at Wrigley Field in the Terrace Reserved Seats behind home plate:

Two tickets to the Wednesday, 7/21 game vs. Houston Astros, 1:20 PM
Two tickets to the Saturday, 7/24 game vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 12:05 PM

Courtesy of Cubs Care and Intercon Solutions

2. Diamond District **Value $1,000

Select a stunning piece of jewelry of your very own with a $1,000 gift certificate to Gregg Helfer, Ltd., a private wholesale jeweler located on Walton Street.

Courtesy of Gregg Helfer, Ltd., Private Jeweler

3. Theater Experience **Value $590

Two tickets to any performance in Steppenwolf Theater’s 2010-2011 season ($140)
A two-night weekend stay for two at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, with complimentary breakfast and valet parking ($350)
$100 gift certificate to Macy’s

Courtesy of Steppenwolf Theater, Sheraton Hotel, and the Scott Nierman Family

4. McLovin’ It Getaway **Value $680

Exclusive tour of McDonald’s History and Hamburger University
Two classic massages side by side at Healthscape Spa & Fitness Center at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, IL ($265)
Private candle lit yoga session at Healthscape Spa ($60)
A $75 gift certificate for dinner at the Hyatt Lodge’s Piazza Restaurant
A weekend stay (Friday & Saturday nights) at the Wyndham Hotel in Lisle, IL - 20 minutes away from Oak Brook - which includes breakfast for two each morning ($280)

Courtesy of Healthscape Spa & Fitness Center, the Hyatt Lodge, and Wyndham Lisle Hotel

5. Hostess with the Mostest **Value $1,010

Private at-home wine tasting with 7 bottles of wine for up to 14 people, guided by a professional wine advisor from Wines for Humanity ($350)
Carpet cleaning service from All Star Carpets ($250)
A $250 gift certificate for recycling services from Intercon Solutions
Two matching Wedgewood China serving platters ($160)

Courtesy of Wines for Humanity, All Star Carpets, Intercon Solutions and the Celebration Committee

6. Opera Outing **Value $800

Two tickets to a Sunday matinee performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on 11/13/10 at the Lyric Opera ($150)
A $100 gift certificate to One North Kitchen & Bar
A two-night weekend stay for two at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, with complimentary breakfast and valet parking ($350)

Courtesy of Joyce & Tim Dugan, One North Kitchen, and the Sheraton Hotel

7. Weekend Escape **Value $425

3 hours of personal assistant services from Chicago Anytime Assistants ($120)
A two-night weekend stay (Friday & Saturday) for two at Wyndham Hotel in Lisle with complimentary breakfast ($280)
A $25 gift certificate to Women & Children First Bookstore to buy the book you’ve been dying to read but never have the time

Courtesy of Chicago Anytime Assistants, Wyndham Lisle Hotel, and Women & Children First Bookstore

8. Go Irish **Value $500

Four (4) tickets to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes football game in South Bend, IN, on Saturday, 10/30/10 at 2:30 PM.

Courtesy of Jerome Crowley

9. White Sox Fanatic **Value $488

Three sets of tickets (10 tickets) to The Chicago White Sox home games at Cellular Field:

Four tickets and a parking pass to the Friday, 7/30 game vs. the Oakland A’s, 7:10 PM
Two tickets and a parking pass to the Saturday, 8/28 game vs. the NY Yankees, 6:05 PM
Four tickets and a parking pass to the Saturday, 9/11 game vs. the Kansas City Royals, 6:05 PM

Courtesy of Intercon Solutions and Paul & Melissa Haase

10. Pretty & Pampered **Value $1,710

High-end jewelry from the Miriam Salat collection of Bochic - a Wildgrass cuff and sparkle earrings ($560)
A private shopping event at Mary Mary Gifts in the Gold Coast, including champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a special gift for each gift. (10% of sales at this party benefit Deborah’s Place.) ($1,000)
A gift basket of high-end cosmetics and spa treats ($150)

Courtesy of Miriam Salat, Mary Mary Gifts, and PrettyCity.com

11. One-of-A-Kind Artwork **Value $2,000

A beautiful piece of artwork from Garnet Wrigley, famed Hudson Valley Impressionist. This one-of-a-kind piece was created with pastels and is 20” x 24”

Courtesy of Garnet Wrigley

12. Kate Spade Style **Value $1,205

Surround yourself with style with this group of Kate Spade designer handbags and jewelry. Includes a variety of clutches, a baby bag, a travel bag, a wristlet, a necklace, bracelet and earrings.

Courtesy of Jackie Grazulis

13. Fine China **Value $1,500

This 50 year-old antique Wedgewood White Fine Bone China is a rare find and a stunning addition to any home. Includes 12 five-piece settings (Bread & butter plate, salad / dessert plate, dinner plate, tea cup and saucer), three serving plates, 13 dessert bowls, 12 soup bowls, and six coffee saucers.

Courtesy of Marie Therese McDermott

Want one of these fabulous packages? Purchase your tickets to the Celebration Event today!

Deborah’s Place 25th Anniversary Celebration Event!

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:18:59 +0000

You’re invited to the…

25th Anniversary Celebration Event!

Join us for the high point of our year-long celebration of Deborah’s Place’s history as we mark 25 years of service to women who are and who have been homeless!

The evening will feature a champagne reception, seated dinner, live auction, music, and fantastic raffle prizes.

We throw a great party! See how we celebrated our achievements last year at our 2009 Gala, and 2009 Mardi Gras Bead Bash.

Please Join Us!

Thursday, June 17, 2010
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624

View Larger Map

View the auction and raffle items for the Event!

Tickets:

The event has reached full capacity, and ticket sales are now closed. Please consider supporting the event by making a contribution to support the event.

You may also contribute by calling 773-638-6539.

Sponsorships:

For sponsorship opportunities, auction donation inquiries, and other questions, please contact Elizabeth Golden, External Relations Coordinator at 773-638-6539 or egolden@deborahsplace.org

We hope to see you there!