More than 300 guests enjoyed a fun and exciting evening on Saturday, October 21 at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire to raise awareness of domestic violence and $187,000 for lifesaving programs and services for victims and their children and also to celebrate the successful 39th year of A Safe Place in Lake County.
From the magnificent cocktail reception through chef action food stations, live auction, whiskey tasting, cigar rolling, and aerial performances 22 feet in the air, it was a night to remember. With an “Unmask the Violence” theme, guests donned sparkly silver and purple masks, sat at tables with dazzling centerpieces made of feathers, crystals, and masquerade masks, and listened to moving stories from survivors of domestic violence.
“2017 was a milestone year,” said Pat Davenport, CEO/Executive Director of A Safe Place. “We celebrated our 39th year, the 25th anniversary of our Emergency Shelter, and the 10th anniversary of our Housing Program. We expanded our Women’s Care Groups and now have satellite locations in Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Gurnee.”
“This Gala was our biggest and best ever. It means the world to our clients, our Board of Directors, our event committee, and our staff that so many people came out and generously gave to our mission to make a difference in the lives of so many.”
Mark “Silvy” Silverman, co-host of Waddle and Silvy on ESPN AM 1000, and master of ceremonies, did a phenomenal job shining a light on the epidemic of domestic violence and entertaining the crowd of dedicated long-term supporters, brand-new guests, and generous sponsors and donors.
Guests at the Gala celebrated the strength of survivors in a heartfelt presentation that took a close look at what domestic violence in our communities really looks like. Six survivors, male and female, from different communities, income levels, professions, circumstances, and ages courageously walked onstage to show the many faces of survival and then embraced as they held up a sign that read “From Victims to Victors,” during a standing ovation of support.
“It was a fantastic night of fun and fundraising,” said Patty Anderskow, Gala Chairperson. “I am grateful that so many decided to spend their evening with us and celebrate our past, present, and future success that saves the lives of so many and truly improves our community.”
The Unmask the Violence Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for A Safe Place, Lake County’s sole provider of services exclusively addressing domestic violence in the Chicagoland area. All proceeds support the organization’s lifesaving programs and services for victims of domestic violence and their children, including crisis support, housing, legal advocacy, counseling, community outreach, and education to prevent future abuse. Last year, A Safe Place served over 14,000 of our neighbors.
Generous sponsors of the event included Michael and Andrea Rosengarden, Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, Schlesinger & Strauss LLC, David and Patty Anderskow, The Autism Therapy Group, Nancy and Marvin Himmelstein, IRON HORSE Seating, The Law Offices of Robert O. Ackley, Libertyville Bank and Trust Company, Mesirow Financial, Bonnie and Gene Minsky, Ernie and Dawn Rogers, Rust-Oleum, and Schiff Hardin.
Mark your calendar for next year’s not-to-be-missed Unmask the Violence Gala on October 20, 2018.