‘Take Flight’ Gala to Benefit The Bridge on April 13

An upcoming gala hosted by 50+ year social service organization and nonprofit, The Bridge Youth and Family Services (The Bridge), is themed ‘Take Flight’ and will feature several trips to be auctioned off (U.S. and international) along with flights of beer, wine and spirit tastings from local distilleries, breweries and wineries - including Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich, Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove in addition to Zingabrew and Pure Juice Café, both of Arlington Heights.

The gala will be held at The Meadows Club, 2950 Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. Guests will be treated to a four-course dinner and open bar, live music from Mr. Myers Band, entertainment from WGN radio personality and comedian, Patti Vasquez, and a presentation from a mentor and mentee from The Bridge’s Youth Advocacy Mentoring Program.

“The Bridge has been a cornerstone of support for young people in our local community experiencing a variety of serious challenges, for more than 50 years,” said Deb Armstrong, a member of the organization’s board of directors, and president of Palatine Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank. “We believe in supporting our community organizations and have been proud supporters of this amazing nonprofit for the last decade.”

Armstrong, along with the entire board of directors, invites community members to attend the gala and learn why the nonprofit organization is such a vital part of the local community - and to enjoy an evening out with dinner, music, dancing and entertainment. An exciting number of trips will be auctioned off, including one to Ireland, Ultimate Beaches, an Aspen Trip and African Safari packages, in addition to other auction items such as Rolling Stones Tickets, a Joe Frazier Robe and a Chicago Culinary Kitchen Catering Package, among many others.

Guests will also have a chance to win a grand prize $3,000 from a cash raffle, with a second-place prize of $1500 and third-place prize of $500. An early bird drawing will be held April 1. Individuals can purchase cash raffle tickets online (ahead of time) or at the event. For more information on the cash raffle, and to purchase gala tickets, visit bridgeyouth.org /events-calendar/gala/.

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About The Bridge Youth and Family Services (The Bridge): The Bridge's mission is to help kids and their families overcome challenges and trauma to lead happier, more successful lives. The Bridge Youth and Family Services (The Bridge) provides a range of programs and counseling services to residents of Cook County living in Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine and Schaumburg Townships. The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 1965, and services include child and family counseling, psychiatric assessments, group services in high schools, substance abuse assessments and counseling, and education regarding abuse and neglect. Crisis intervention services are provided for runaway, locked out, and homeless youths, and include counseling, emergency shelter referrals, and suicide assessments. Prevention and volunteer services include youth advocacy mentoring, Youth Council, parenting programs, substance abuse education in local high schools and volunteer opportunities for the community at-large. Learn more at BridgeYouth.org.

About Patti Vasquez: For the last decade Patti Vasquez has been traveling the country as a headlining stand-up comic in comedy clubs, casinos, and colleges. Her TV special MY LIFE IS A JOKE aired on The Oprah Network. She co-hosted the daytime talk show pilot FUNNY GIRLS for ABC Television and has recurring role on CHICAGO FIRE as Nurse Patti. For the last 5 years the Chicago native has hosted her own talk show PRETTY LATE WITH PATTI VASQUEZ on WGN radio every night Monday through Friday. Chicagoans have made the show #1 in its time slot. Because of WGN's powerful 50,000-watt signal listeners in 38 states and Canada enjoy the show. Seriously though, Patti loves being a mom to two beautiful little boys: Griffin, who loves trains, Batman, and talking as much as his mom, is the best big brother to Declan, who loves music, water, and hugs. Declan also happens to have special needs, a part of Patti's life that she isn't afraid to talk about. She has begun sharing her story with humor and heart for groups such as the Iowa Department of Education, The Hope Network and Gilda's Club through her With Kind Words initiative.

About Mr. Myers Band: Mr. Myers Band - Mr. Myers plays "Caribbean Rock"- a mixture of Reggae, Calypso, Jimmy Buffett/Beach music, and their own originals. In the Band's 35 Year career, they have played thousands of shows ranging from clubs to festivals and park districts, as well as corporate and private events. The magic of Mr. Myers' tropical sound comes from leader/founder Todd Donnelly's steel drums and percussion. Their unique style also incorporates rock guitar as well as some jazzy flute and saxophone. The band has an energetic upbeat sound that has thrilled audiences young and old. Mr. Myers has played from St. Thomas to Las Vegas with many fun stops in between. For a musical trip to the islands you simply can't beat the sunny sounds of Mr. Myers Band!