Local Sponsors Answer The Call To The Post for the 4th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala to Benefit for Hesed House

Hesed House is eagerly anticipating its May 2nd fundraiser, held on the day of the Kentucky Derby. It’s all come together thanks to the dedication of employees, volunteers, and some amazing local businesses who’ve signed on as Gala Sponsors!

Doug Gerald and Gerald Subaru proudly provided the naming sponsorship of the 4th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala To Benefit Hesed House. This is the third consecutive year that the Gerald family and the Gerald Auto Group have sponsored, and attended, the Gala with their guests.

“Hesed House does an unbelievable job for Aurora and all the communities that they serve, and there’s simply more need than they can accommodate,” says Doug Gerald, President of the Gerald Auto Group. “We absolutely believe in and support Hesed and its purpose.” Mr. Gerald notes that because individuals and families in these communities have supported the Gerald Auto Group, they acknowledge and appreciate that by giving back. “We run a small business: we sell and fix cars,” notes Gerald; “Our customers volunteer at Hesed House and sometimes, our customers are or have been beneficiaries of Hesed House’s mission… we all contribute to make life better for folks in our community.”

To further support and increase the visibility of Hesed House, Doug Gerald and Gerald Subaru sponsor WGN Radio’s “Goals For Charity” program. “We pledged $100 per regular-season goal scored by the Blackhawks, all season long,” explains Gerald. While the Hawks fell short of the goals scored in the 2014 season, Gerald Subaru honored its $25,000 minimum pledge commitment and will present a check to Hesed House at the Kentucky Derby Gala on May 2nd.

Following the lead of Gerald Subaru, other major sponsors of the event include Meson Sabika, Esser Hays, BMO Harris Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Molex, Caterpillar, American Guardian Warranty Services, and Blooming Color.

Lead Sponsor BMO Harris has sponsored and co-planned the Gala for all four years. Nicholette Cutrera, Market President of BMO Harris Bank and a member of the Derby Gala Planning Committee, explains, “We partner with Hesed House because the organization is making a tremendous impact on our community’s greatest needs.”

Hanson Financial Services LLC is also a 2015 Lead Sponsor who believes in The Golden Rule: “It feels great to be able to help those who are ‘down on their luck…,” explains Mark Hanson; “I would want somebody to do the same” in return or in paying it forward.

He notes that the stories of the clients of Hesed House are so moving, that those who hear them are so moved so as to “share at least some of their time, talent, or treasure!” He continues, “Those who have been given much, are given a greater responsibility……and that responsibility is centered around SHARING much of what they’ve been given!!”

For Michael Schroeck and Mary Pecora, Owners of Schroeck Racing, LLC, the commitment spans all areas of the event and its host’s mission. “This is the perfect benefit for us, as it combines our love of horse racing with the goal of giving something back…” Schroeck explains. Noting that he and fiancée Pecora feel honored to sponsor, and “Serving as both a volunteer and a member of the Finance Committee, I know how much Hesed House needs our support… in ‘the race to end homelessness.’”

Blooming Color and Maclyn Group produced the printed materials for Hesed House and its Derby Gala event, as well as contributing as a Lead Sponsor, plus Partner Ray Kinney will also serve as the evening’s Emcee and Live Auctioneer. “We believe strongly in helping those in need,” Kinney states. “Hesed House is a great steward of the dollars raised in focusing on helping people get back on their feet on a path to self-sustainability.”

Naperville restaurant-anchor Meson Sabika is another Lead Sponsor of the 2015 Hesed House Derby Gala, and Owner Hossein Jamali’s experience during a tour of the facility with his wife made immediate impact. “We were affected by (the clients’) positive outlook on life, having kids in school and working on attaining their goals,” Jamali explains; “My philosophy of giving is that I am able to give due to opportunities and support provided to me; therefore I need to distribute in the best way possible.”

This generous spirit and desire to contribute is but one of many common threads between the amazing Lead Sponsors of the 2015 Kentucky Derby Gala for Hesed House.

About Hesed House:

Hesed House, located in Aurora, is a Not-For-Profit Organization which originated in the 1980s and served as the model for the PADS organizations across the country. Being Illinois’ largest shelter outside of Chicago, Hesed House assists thousands every year by providing shelter, food, clothing and necessities, and training and rehabilitation for men, women, and children in crisis.

The public is invited to join Hesed House and its community supporters at the 4th Annual Kentucky Derby Gala! Guests will enjoy Southern hospitality and the ambiance of Derby excitement as the actual Kentucky Derby is broadcast at the event, a Derby Diamond draw and “Derby Diva” Derby Hat contest, in addition to gift-basket raffles and silent- and live-auction treasures, including an Instant Wine Cellar of 100 impeccably sourced and stored wines with total value near $14,000! Our military servicemen and -women will be honored with a special Salute To Our Troops proceeding.

This spectacular event only comes around once a year, and seating is very limited, so early reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made via telephone at 630-914-6428 or via email at mkoehler@hesedhouse.org.

Information and event updates are at www.hesedhouse.org and at www.facebook.com/HesedDerbyParty.