Catholic Charities Presents 14th Annual Gala of the Arts

On Friday, September 11th, 2015, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago hosts its 14th Annual Gala of the Arts at the historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. From 6 – 11 p.m., hundreds of Chicago’s most philanthropic, civic and community leaders will enjoy cocktails, dinner, raffle prizes and an Art Show and Sale featuring local and nationally recognized artists. Featuring NBC 5 News Anchor Allison Rosati as emcee, this annual Gala also marks an important night for one of Chicagoland’s largest nonprofits. Proceeds from the Gala benefit the critical Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program. Every 30 seconds someone turns to Catholic Charities for help and often their first need is with the Emergency Assistance Program to help pay heating bills or receive emergency food or clothing.

Hosted by chair couple Michael & Carol Bilder, the Art Show and Sale will showcase original art pieces created by 15 local and nationally recognized artists in a wide variety of media, including photos taken by Catholic Charities clients through the “After Supper: Visions of My Life Program.” Many of the artists donate all of their proceeds to this very popular Art Show and Sale. In fact, this year’s Chairwoman and 2013 Mandatum Award winner Carol Bilder is an exhibiting artist who donates all of her proceeds back to Catholic Charities the night of the Gala. Guests will dance to the sounds of ABBAFAB – The Premier Abba Experience all night long. ABBAFAB is a stunning tribute to the music of ABBA featuring the sensational Anne Davies, Chelsea Faulds, Scotty Pearson, Nick Davies and a line up of stellar musicians.

This year, Catholic Charities will present the 2015 Gala of the Arts Mandatum Award to Bill & Jeanne Hardy, Bill & Mary Alice Jovan, Jim Serritella and his late wife, Ruby for their living example of fulfilling Christ’s mandate to serve the poor, through sustained acts of charity. This coveted award given annually at the Gala of the Arts is the most prestigious honor that Catholic Charities awards each year.

Proceeds from Gala of the Arts will directly help to give people in need in the communities where you live and work a chance to move from helplessness to self-sufficiency. The Emergency Assistance Program provides a safe place for people to go to find emergency shelter, emergency financial assistance, food, clothing, short-term case management, and referrals for long-term help. Given the harsh winter weather during the last two years, Catholic Charities has seen a 20 percent increase in requests for financial assistance for utility payments. Since 2012, Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Department has provided for the basic needs of over 372,000 people.

“Our network of food pantries has seen a 20 percent increase in need since the federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the fall of 2013,” says Monsignor Michael M. Boland. This event is critical in our fundraising efforts and gives this program the financial support it needs.”

Artists showing work at the gala include: Jacqui Blatchford of Lake Forest, Mary Burke of Berrien Springs MI, Charlotte Cziperle of Burr Ridge, Richton Guy Thomas of Chicago, Trish Happel of Chicago, Joey Korom of Chicago, Mark McMahon of Lake Forest, Dennis B. O’Malley of Wilmette, Armando Pedroso of Chicago, Donna W. Radcliffe, Linda Roxe of Chicago, Marketa Sivek of Chicago, John Vlahakis of Winnetka, Lenox Wallace of Homewood and James Wilbat of Deerfield.

Tickets start at $250 per person. The Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier (www.navypier.com) is located at 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. For more details, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve your tickets, please visit www.catholiccharities.net or contact Judy Silekis at jsilekis@catholiccharities.net.