Neighbor News
25th Anniversary of Annual Blossoms of Hope Brunch benefiting Catholic Charities
elebrity Designer Monica Pedersen returns as honored emcee and Program Founder Father Charles Rubey celebrates 50 years as a Priest
Chicago, IL – On Sunday, April 24th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 25th Annual Blossoms of Hope Brunch to support the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program. Monica Pedersen of HGTV and NBC’s American Dream Builders returns to host the event again this year, which will feature Drury Lane’s famous brunch, a silent auction and a day of celebrating hope. Held at Drury Lane of Oakbrook Terrace, this brunch attracts more than 1000 guests who will share an afternoon of love, support, strength and unity at this annual event!
Raising more than $90,000 last year, the afternoon will feature a raffle, wine grab and pick-a-prize with all proceeds benefiting the LOSS Program, which provides support services for individuals and families who have lost a loved one to suicide. Clinical Psychologist Dr. David Clark, PhD will receive the coveted 2016 Charles T. Rubey LOSS Award for his contributions to suicide research. Father Rubey, who created the LOSS Program at Catholic Charities, also is celebrating 50 years of priesthood.
“The Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program has been a part of my life for many years. After suffering the loss of my twin brother to suicide, this critical program guided and gave me the strength to move forward,” said Monica Pedersen. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to give back.” Pedersen is a do-it-yourselfer turned celebrity designer who has appeared on NBC’s American Home Builders with Nate Berkus, plus HGTV programs including Designed to Sell, Bang for Your Buck, Showdown, and HGTV Dream Home. A Chicago area native, Pedersen has volunteered her time and talents with Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program for over 10 years.
Celebrating 37 years of service, the LOSS Program has been able to provide support to thousands of families devastated by the loss of a loved one to suicide. LOSS believes that by respecting and sharing the memories of those lost to suicide, it can help bring about awareness, and hopefully, inspire change.
Tickets are priced at $70 per adult, $15 per child or $700 for a table of ten. For more details, please visit www.catholiccharities.net/lossbrunch or call (312) 948-6797 to reserve your tickets.
