Megan Grabos, Caroline Hoenk (Vice President)

Toast for a Cause

The Big Shoulders Fund Auxiliary Board and over 230 guests raised their glasses to commemorate the inaugural Toast for a Cause fundraiser at the Chicago Cultural Center’s beautiful G.A.R Rotunda Hall on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The new board, led by President Louis Crisostomo toasted to the success of the 93 inner-city Catholic schools, which he refers to as “Islands of Hope.” With the help of fundraising chairman Mary Ammermann, approximately $10,000 was raised for the Big Shoulders scholarship fund, from donations, ticket sales and a silent auction. Items for bidding were provided mostly by Just Grapes, which also sponsored a drawing for a Private Wine Tasting along with other door prizes.

Attendees celebrated the evening by socializing with fellow supporters and snacking on hors d’œuvres, including mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, and a delectable desert buffet of various cheesecakes, fruit tarts and chocolate, all sponsored by Phil Stefani catering. As guests listened to a jazz trio, led by Eric Schneider, they sipped on wine, beer and cocktails, including a red-tinted champagne cocktail to match the Big Shoulders Fund logo. Other sponsors for the event included, FactSet Research Systems, R.W. Baird and Co., and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gallagher Jr.

The non-profit group helps support an estimated 25,000 children in Chicago, by providing scholarships, computers, special education programs, facility improvements and instructional equipment. $3.1 million is provided in scholarships to almost 3,000 elementary and high school students. Over half of these students come from families who live at or below the poverty level.
www.bigshouldersfund.org
-Hilary Shaffer