Spring Benefit 2005

Celebrate Connections
Saturday, May 7, 2005

Celebrate  •  Connect  •  Support

Connections for the Homeless held its annual fundraising gala, The Spring Benefit—Celebrate Connections, on Saturday, May 7, 2005. This year’s benefit was especially meaningful in that it earmarked the 20th Anniversary of Connections for the Homeless. Emceed by Evanston-resident Derrick Blakley, news anchor and reporter for CBS 2 CHICAGO, the event drew more than 230 friends of Connections to the Windows Ballroom at the North Shore Skokie Hotel and Executive Meeting Center in Skokie. The gala netted over $65,000 to be used for services that benefit individuals and families who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless in Evanston and Northfield Township.

The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation was honored as the Foundation Partner of the Year for its belief in Connections’ mission and their support of homeless issues. The Church of the Holy Comforter was honored as the Community Partner of the year. Throughout the years, the church has provided many donations to the agency, and members of the congregation have unselfishly supported numerous families during the holidays. An Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Claire McCarthy Peterson who has been a tireless advocate for social services for homeless people, a knowledgeable resource about homeless issues in the region, and is currently the Evanston representative at the Regional Roundtable on Homelessness.

Connections for the Homeless has helped people deal with the effects of hunger, poverty, and homelessness since it was established in 1984. Funds raised through the event will support the organization’s three programs—EntryPoint, Hilda’s Place, and Family Housing Services—through which Connections creates numerous opportunities for individuals and families to make changes that can lead to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

Rev. Robert K. Myers and congregation members of The Church of the Holy Comforter accept the Community Partner of the Year Award from Will Sundblad and Gary Dindia.

Spring Benefit 2004

Spring Benefit 2003

From left: Gary Dindia, president, Board of Directors of Connections for the Homeless, emcee Derrick Blakley of CBS2 CHICAGO, and Will Sundblad, former Executive Director of Connections for the Homeless.

Benefit Committee members from left: : Stephanie Kimmel, Cindy Pingry, Angie Coppi, Gerry Gibbs, co-chair Julie Kimmel, Mary O’Brien, Rachel McConky, and co-chair Jessie Macdonald.

The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation was honored as the Foundation Partner of the Year. Accepting for the foundation are from left to right: Laurie LeBreton, Board of Trustee member Pierre LeBreton, Isabel Pastin, and Board of Trustee member Max Pastin.