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Catholic Charities puts its heart to work for homeless
The Rev. Michael Boland of Catholic Charities, event chairman Trent Bohacz, Catholic Charities Northwest Regional Director Mary Insprucker and WGN Radio host Garry Meier. | Laura Pavin~For Sun-Times Media
WHAT: Hearts for Homeless Families
WHERE: Sanfilippo Estate, Barrington Hills
WHEN: April 28, 2012
BENEFITING: Catholic Charities Northwest Regional Services
ATTENDED: 300+
RAISED: $100,000
Article Extras
Updated: July 8, 2012 8:01AM
April 28 provided a surreal affair for those attending the Eighth Wonder of the World Tour, held at the renowned Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills for the third year in a row.
The event honored Catholic Charities Northwest Regional Services’ 23rd annual Hearts for Homeless Families.
Some 200 antique music boxes, 65 coin-operated pianos and a restored 1890 European carousel complete with carved Hubner horses were only a few of the visual delights guests enjoyed at the museumlike estate before dinner. After dinner, the estate welcomed WGN’s Garry Meier as auction emcee.
“Mr. and Mrs. Sanfilippo have generously opened their exquisite home to our cause. Sharing their treasured collection has been a wondrous experience for our guests,” said Mary Insprucker, Catholic Charities’ Northwest Regional director.
Insprucker explained that the event was organized to donate 92 cents for every dollar spent on the organization’s New Hope Apartments program, which provides housing and assistance to homeless families in Chicago and suburban Cook County. The popular Hearts for Homeless Families event usually brings in more than 300 guests and nets about $100,000 for the homeless.
“The Hearts for Homeless Families Eighth Wonder of the World Tour supports the Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments program, an innovative plan to end the cycle of homelessness,” Insprucker said. “Each and every event attendee is making a conscious choice to help the less fortunate.”
Some of the most outstanding auction items included a chef table dinner at the Grand Victoria Casino prepared by executive chef Glenn Keenan, an on-air opportunity with WGN’s Meier, a cocktail party for 50 at the Sanfilippo Estate and tickets to view the Chicago Air & Water Show aboard a private yacht.
