Annual Hospice Gala Staged at Barrington Hills Estate
The annual Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois gala, one of the area’s signature events of the summer, will be held Saturday, June 25, at the Tall Oaks estate in Barrington Hills.
“We are pleased to announce that this year’s gala will be back at the location where our annual black tie event was first held—the beautiful Tall Oaks estate,” said Kristin Frazier, special events coordinator at Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois (HPNI).
Kim Duchossois, the Honorary Gala Chair and owner of Tall Oaks, will serve as hostess for the event. Having hosted the gala on her property in 2004, Kim said she felt inspired to host it once again, after attending the celebratory and emotional Gala last year held on the grounds of the newly constructed, newly opened Pepper Family Hospice Home and Center for Care.
“At last year’s gala, being physically on site of the tremendous finale of an amazing labor of love, I was struck by emotion in the magnificent moment of celebration for all involved,” Kim said. “I was instantly moved to reflect back six years prior when Barb Reed and Sheryl Frankenberg chaired the first outdoor Hospice event at Tall Oaks. I thought we would come “full circle” by welcoming the event back to Tall Oaks. It is my privilege and joy to be able to host once again.”
At this year’s event, nearly 400 guests will begin the evening with cocktails in the estate’s gardens and around the pool, and then enjoy dinner, and dancing under the stars. As a major fundraiser to support HPNI’s various unfunded programs and services, the $300 per person event will also include a reverse auction, live auction, and several raffle drawings.
“We extend our appreciation to Kim, to our guests, as well as to the many individuals, companies and organizations for their sponsorship commitment to the 2011 Circle of Hope at Tall Oaks Gala,” Frazier added. Sponsorships ranged from $1,000 to $25,000.
Auctioning Trips, Parties, Cubs and More
Last year’s Gala raised more than $400,000 in support of the nonprofit, independent hospice agency. With a selection of unique and various prizes this year, HPNI’s Gala Committee hopes to attract much interest and activity in this year’s live auction and raffle drawings.
Up for auction this year is: A “Gourmet Dinner Party for 10,” a catered multi-course catered meal prepared by Gala caterer, Entertaining Company; “Cayman Island Adventure,” a week’s stay at a beachfront condominium at Cayman Kai on Rum Point Beach, Grand Cayman Island; “Nantucket Island Retreat,” a week’s stay in a Nantucket vacation home that can accommodate up to eight guests; “Puerto Vallarta Beachfront Beauty,” a seven-night stay in a five-bedroom home in Mexico. Raffle prizes include “Private Vintage Yacht Cruise in Chicago,” valued at $1,800; a “Fabergé Crystal 13-inch centerpiece bowl,” valued at $2,500; and a “Chicago Cubs Skybox Event,” valued at $2,700.”
Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100 and may be purchased by anyone. Winners need not be present at the Gala. Tickets can be purchased from Kristin Frazier, HPNI Special Events Coordinator, 224-770-2414.
