In May nearly 200 guests gathered at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel for the 36th Annual Blossom Gala. This year featured a special theme, Blue Skies, to signal a bright future ahead of us. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction followed by the program and dinner in the flower-filled ballroom. Board President Stephen Green welcomed guests, and Gala Chair Doug Miller thanked the Gala Committee and volunteers who make this event possible.
We were honored to recognize the Pelletier family for their exceptional support this year. These 10 siblings have come together to advocate for their sister Denise, who is an Orchard Village resident and participant in multiple programs. The Pelletier family is constant in their support of Denise. We cannot thank the Pelletier family enough for their generous contributions and support of Orchard Village.
Orchard Village President & CEO, Susan Kaufman welcomed guests and provided an overview of updates throughout the year, including the purchase of new homes and construction beginning for the new Behavioral Health Clinic building. During dinner, live painting artist Elliott From created a beautiful floral painting as part of his speed-painting performance. Thanks to donations from 34 supporters this artwork will be displayed in the new BHC building with a dedicated plaque to those who donated.
Board Member, Robin Robinson, emceed the event wonderfully. The evening’s festivities raised more than $175,000 that will aid client and organizational needs at Orchard Village, including our “Make A House A Home” initiative, which pays for capital updates to our homes.
Blossom Gala Executive Committee
Chair: Doug Miller
Mary Robbins
Stephen Green
Joseph Like
Marlene Hodges
Susan Kaufman
Skyla McKim
Blossom Gala Silent Auction Committee
Chair: Mary Robbins
Roberta Bower
Wayne Bower
Lou Carso
Joseph Like
Skyla McKim
Madden Mientus
Meredith Mientus
Therese Rakushin
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!
Roberta Bower
Wayne Bower
Lou Carso
Olga Childers
Susan Childers
Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft
Michelle Fegert
Marlene Hodges
Susan Kaufman
Theresa Kopitzke
Ty McBeth
Meredith Mientus
Madden Mientus
Julia Morrow
Lyndsay Mosser
Warren Mosser
Joe Negoski
Kasey Ornelas
Nancy Otter
Dorothy Perry
Therese Rakushin
Mary Robbins
Judy Seip
Jennifer Shapiro
Simon Ziotnik