Star Ruby – 37th Annual Blossom Gala

On April 27, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel for the 37th Annual Blossom Gala. This year featured a special theme, Star Ruby, to celebrate good luck and prosperity in the 52nd year of Orchard Village’s service to the community. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction followed by the program and dinner in the blossom-filled ballroom. Board President Stephen Green welcomed guests, and Gala Chair Doug Miller thanked the Gala Committee and volunteers who made the event possible.

At this year’s gala, Orchard Village was honored to recognize Steve Witz and the Witz Family Foundation in a touching video tribute for their outstanding contributions to Orchard Village. Steve and his family have always been kind and generous supporters, and Orchard Village appreciates their leadership, generosity, and unwavering support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Orchard Village President & CEO, Susan Kaufman welcomed guests and provided an overview of updates throughout the year, including the remodeling of our homes to make them more accessible for residents who are aging. After dinner, the evening featured a live auction where guests bid on captivating artwork by Kudzai Mutasa, a Zimbabwean-born multi-talented artist known for her creative expressions. Kudzai holds a special connection to Orchard Village, as she is the former babysitter for Doug and Ellen Miller’s daughter, Lauren. Lauren is a graduate of Orchard Academy, and now works at the O’Hare Airport for United Airlines.

Board member Robin Robinson once again emceed the event flawlessly. The evening’s festivities raised more than $201,000 that will aid participant and organizational needs at Orchard Village, including the purchase of a new, fully automatic, wheelchair-accessible van.

Thank you to our Executive Committee, Silent Auction Committee, and volunteers for helping to make this event a success. Thank you to Greg Popp for his donation of the video tribute.

Blossom Gala Executive Committee

  • Chair: Doug Miller
  • Mary Robbins
  • Stephen Green
  • Joseph Like
  • Marlene Hodges
  • Susan Kaufman
  • Skyla McKim
  • Cathy Popp
  • Tess Spector

 

Blossom Gala Silent Auction Committee

  • Chair: Mary Robbins
  • Roberta Bower
  • Cathy Popp
  • Kathy Knight
  • Joseph Like
  • Skyla McKim
  • Meredith Mientus
  • Madden Mientus

 

Gala Volunteer Highlight

Orchard Village would like to shout out our Gala event volunteers. Not only do they provide help on the night of the event, but many of our volunteers also provide support for weeks and months in advance. Thank you!

  • Lia Berman
  • Roberta Bower
  • Wayne Bower
  • Carlos Cabrera
  • Lou Carso
  • Michael Carso
  • Olga Childers
  • Susan Childers
  • Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft
  • Michelle Fegert
  • Marlene Hodges
  • Susan Kaufman
  • Kathy Knight
  • Ty McBeth
  • Jennifer McFarlane
  • Meredith Mientus
  • Madden Mientus
  • Lauren Miller
  • Henry Monica
  • Julia Morrow
  • Lyndsay Mosser
  • Warren Mosser
  • Joe Negoski
  • Junior Olivares
  • Kasey Ornelas
  • Nancy Otter
  • Dorothy Perry
  • Greg Popp
  • Mary Robbins
  • Grace Saban
  • Michael Sandler
  • Jackson Sandler