After more than two years of mostly virtual activities, this year’s Giving Hope event featured a homecoming theme.
The community stepped up in a big way on Sunday, October 2, for FamilyForward’s annual premier fundraiser event, Giving Hope. After more than two years of mostly virtual activities, this year’s event featured a homecoming theme. Attendees gathered for a festive fall luncheon at Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, for Giving Hope: Home Coming, and in the process raised over $65,000 to empower low-income, working families across the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Friends and supporters, new and old, came together at Giving Hope: Home Coming for a warm celebration of how FamilyForward is positively impacting the lives of families in need. One program highlight was the stirring and inspirational testimony from a single parent who recently completed our intensive two-year family program.
The event also featured the debut of FamilyForward’s very own theme song, “Forward,” composed by Clay Farnsworth and Daniel Clayton Farnsworth. Participants enjoyed a gourmet lunch buffet with carving station; live streaming of the Bears game; a warm welcome by members of the Prospect High School Poms squad; entertainment by members of the Hersey High School Choir; a special appearance by Don “Da Coach” Fueling; and a live appeal to raise funds for families.
The silent auction and raffle prizes did not disappoint, thanks to the generosity of many, and Executive Director Erica Chianelli led a spirited live auction for a special cruise on Lake Michigan. Attendees also had fun sporting their high school or college colors to celebrate the homecoming theme. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a special day!