Patrick Lives On Fundraiser to End Gun Violence

Patricia Frontain, founder of Patrick Lives On and script supervisor for NBC’s Chicago PD is proud to announce the third annual fundraising event for the non-profit organization to be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at The Chop Shop, located at 2033 W. North Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The evening will be hosted by LaRoyce Hawkins accompanied by The Jeff Gibbs Band and include performances by various actors from NBC’s Chicago PD, Chicago Fire and Chicago Med as they improvise, sing and dance.

“I’m grateful for LaRoyce Hawkins, the actors and all who have donated food, drinks and raffle prizes to this event,” says Frontain.

Frontain created the organization in memory of her son, Patrick Boswell, who tragically lost his life to gun violence in Rosemont, Illinois in January 2015. Patrick was a 14-year old boy walking in the wrong place at the wrong time in a neighboring town and was caught in the middle of gang crossfire. The event will take place in September around what would have been Patrick’s 18th birthday.

Through funds raised at the second event held last year, the organization has been able to fulfill several items on the organization’s wish list, including:

• Provide individual scholarships to 72 students.
• Provide $5,000 to co-sponsor the Englewood Fellowship of Barbers Cease Fire event
• Provide $5,000 to a local high school to enable at risk kids to participate in after school activities.
• Provide $5,000 to a local football league to enable 20 boys to play
• Provide $20,000 to various Chicagoland NFPs who have their “feet on the ground” in many disadvantaged areas enabling kids to participate in activities such as playing chess, participating in sports, violin lessons, theater and art classes.
• Established the Patrick Boswell Courage Award in three schools and made initial contact with many other Chicagoland schools for future participation
• Produced an educational/inspirational short film featuring a proactive approach to avoiding domestic violence.

“Our goal is to help 5,000 kids in and around Chicagoland by the end on 2018,” stated Frontain. “We want to help kids find their gift. Everyone has one and we want to enable them to find it. We want to expose them to different things. Open their worlds. Spark their imagination. Spark their creativity. Spark their power. Ignite a fire in them about something that they are interested in or care about. We want to help them find what excites them and help them pursue it, with the hopes of keeping them busy, off the streets and away from violence.”

Gun violence is an epidemic. “It can directly affect anyone at any time, no matter what neighborhood you call home,” says Frontain. “Patrick was just a young boy walking to the neighborhood basketball court to play with friends when he was caught in the middle of this ugly act between gang members who had moved into our community. Gun violence knows no race, class or neighborhood.” The organization strives to encourage children to engage in positive activities after school and on summer and winter breaks. If children are kept occupied in a positive way there will be less opportunity for them to join gangs and become involved with gun violence.

The fundraising event will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018. The VIP Red Carpet Experience will take place from 6:00pm-8:00pm. It includes the arrival of the stars as they are interviewed by local newscasters. The VIP guests will participate in a “Meet & Greet” with the actors and have their photographs taken with them as they sip champagne and dine on complimentary appetizers from various Chicago restaurants. The doors open at 8:00pm for General Admission which will include a fabulous show led by LaRoyce Hawkins and featuring the TV stars. Over 500 guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages from local restaurants. There will be a live auction with guest auctioneers, as well as a raffle with many great prizes. Ticket prices are $100 per person for General Admission with VIP tickets at $300. Tickets can ONLY be purchased online by visiting the organization’s website under the tab “events.” You can contact the organization and make additional donations through the website.

Patricia Frontain lives in Des Plaines with her husband and daughter.