North Shore Senior Center Gala a Success

The North Shore Senior Center hosted its annual Gala on September 22, where it honored Lois Melvoin, the Crain-Maling Foundation and Abbott for their generosity, dedication and support. Held at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, the Gala featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, video program, award presentation, and paddle raise. The event attracted nearly 225 guests and raised a record breaking $160,000.

The evening’s program began with remarks from immediate past chair, Art Muir. He spoke about the many ways the North Shore Senior Center serves the community, including case management services, the House of Welcome Adult Day Services, fitness center, Lifelong Learning classes, and more.

Current board chair Stuart Smith had the honor of presenting the Janet Burgoon Philanthropic Excellence Awards. First, he presented the Outstanding Philanthropist Award to Lois Melvoin of Highland Park. Lois’ first memories of the Center date back to her childhood when her father was a member, her mother was a volunteer, and eventually her brother Millard Grauer served on the Board of Trustees.

After earning a degree in social work, Lois joined the Center’s staff as a full-time case manager. In this role, Lois noticed that many of her clients needed assistance easing the cost of medications, eyeglasses and other one-time expenses. While on staff, Lois and her late husband Hugo established the “Between the Cracks” Fund to help cover these costs. The grants, ranging from $10 to $410, are part of a broad array of services offered to clients, most of whom are low-income. Now retired, Lois has remained involved with the organization as a volunteer and advocate.

Following Lois’ award presentation, Stuart acknowledged the Crain-Maling Foundation with the Distinguished Community Partner Award. The Crain-Maling Foundation made a generous donation in honor of their friendship with Dr. Arnold (Arnie) Weber to help fund the Edna Weber Garden of Light Wing at the Center’s House of Welcome.

Finally, the awards ceremony included a presentation of the Dedicated Corporation Award to local healthcare company Abbott for their ongoing financial support of the North Shore Senior Center's many programs for seniors and their family members. Abbott's support reflects its broader work to help people build better lives and stronger local communities across the Chicago area.

The evening included a successful paddle raise and silent auction. Guests bid in the silent auction on such prizes as an electronics package that featured an Apple Watch and Abt Gift Card; a week’s stay in Anna Maria Island, Florida; and Chicago sports packages; and much more.

Created in honor of the Center’s first executive director, the Janet Burgoon Philanthropic Excellence Awards recognize those whose generosity has helped older adults maintain their independence and enhance their connections to the communities in which they live.

North Shore Senior Center

Founded in 1956, the North Shore Senior Center remains dedicated to the idea that as a community resource we can help older adults live engaged, empowered and enriched lives. Today, with 3,500 members, 500 volunteers and more than 23,000 individuals being served annually at five locations, North Shore Senior Center's game plan for success has not varied. The mission of North Shore Senior Center is to foster the independence and well-being of older adults, enhance their dignity and self-respect, and promote their participation in and contribution toward all aspects of community life.

For more information, visit www.nssc.org or call 847-784-6000.