Archbishop Blase Cupich, and a record breaking crowd of over 400, joined us on Sunday, April 24 at Stonegate Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates for the 2016 Amazing Grace Gala. This Gala commemorated our ‘50 Years of Loving Care at St. Joseph’s Home’ in Palatine and 140 years since the Little Sisters traveled from France to Care for the needy elderly of Chicagoland.
During cocktail hour, the Little Sisters greeted our guests and directed them to the adjacent area where 100 silent auction items and tickets for the Amazing Grace Sweepstakes and the Florida Condo Raffle were available.
After a delicious dinner of chicken and salmon (donated by our good friends Tony Stallone and Ron Caminiti), Archbishop Cupich spoke in depth about Pope Benedict XVI’s words at Jeanne Jugan’s canonization in 2009: “In the Beatitudes, Jeanne Jugan found the source of the spirit of hospitality and fraternal love, founded on unlimited trust in Providence, which illuminated her whole life.”
Mother Marguerite thanked everyone for all of their love and support as she said goodbye. She is leaving for her new assignment in Kansas City, Mo. Mother then presented Archbishop Cupich with one of the medallions of St. Jeanne Jugan that the Little Sister’s received at the Canonization.
Next was a short video, in commemoration of our 50th anniversary, illustrating life at St. Joseph’s Home as seen through the eyes of some of our Residents and Little Sisters. Afterwards, our generous guests responded with many – “Fund a Need” donations to support our operating expenses.
As always, a spirited Live Auction and Heads and Tails Game, rounded off the evening. Congratulations to the Amazing Grace Sweepstakes winners – Mr. Edwin Lohmeier, Mrs. Christie Lacy and Mr. George Tibus.
And many thanks to all of our dear friends who supported our Amazing Grace Gala, through attending our Gala, underwriting the expenses of the event, buying auction items, raffle tickets, sweepstakes tickets or making a donation. We truly appreciate your generosity!
Amazing Grace Gala 2016