The amazing night of September 13, 2019 began with a password, at a ‘Speakeasy’ in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Once past the bouncer, guests of Keep Swimming Foundation (KSF) were mesmerized by a transformed venue and partook in the spirit of the twenties – the roaring twenties, alive at The Stonegate!
Once again, Bill Coon (Founder and Board President) was the Master of Ceremonies for the hundreds in attendance. After the cocktail hour and Silent Auction bidding, Coon detailed the growth over the last year, and shared videos of families impacted by KSF grants. Guests then participated in a riveting live auction, which was highlighted by one guest setting a new KSF Gala bidding record for dinner and Celine Dion tickets in Chicago. The evening concluded with a stock market crash-inspired raffle (with the prize being 9 tickets to Disney World), the Green Beads game (back by popular demand), photos with two classic cars, and hours of dancing (courtesy of Spinnin’ Discs).
In total, $33,011 was raised to help families in need, surpassing the total of the Inaugural Gala by nearly $20,000. Keep Swimming Foundation plans to host its 3rd Annual Gala in August 2020 in the Chicagoland area.
Suburban Chicago’s The Daily Herald reported on the event in their 9/23/19 Neighbor section.
Photos from the event may be viewed at KSF’s Facebook page.
Video content for the 2nd Annual Gala may be viewed at KSF’s YouTube page.
Keep Swimming Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial relief to families facing extended inpatient medical care at accredited USA hospitals.
The evening was made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers, including: the Alec K. and Viena P. Gianaras Foundation, Deljo Heating and Cooling, Mike and Lisa DeMarco, Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, DLR Group, Peter Gus Sparacio, Merrill Smith, Carole & Jim Walker, Phil Ciccarelli – Real Estate Broker, and Dan Powell. Wine was provided by the David Family and the Lucca Family. Beer was provided by Lagunitas Brewing Company (for the second year) and Two Brothers Artisan Brewing. Photography was provided by As They Are Photography and Brigitta Fitzgerald.
www.KeepSwimmingFoundation.org/