Saturday Roundup: St. Coletta’s annual benefit raises around $160,000
Also: TPHS students receive UN service awards
Editor’s Note: Saturday Roundup is a new feature of Richard Free Press that highlights recent stories that flew under the radar. Have something you’d like included? Send a news tip to richardfreepress@gmail.com or visit richardfreepress.com.
St. Coletta’s of Illinois, a nonprofit based in Tinley Park that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held its 69th annual Caritas Benefit on May 21.
The foundation raised approximately $160,000 and more than 200 people attended. The event also showcased the work of more than 300 individuals from the suburbs of Chicago, according to a press release from St. Coletta’s.
“We are all excited to gather in person once again in support of the individuals we serve here at St. Coletta’s,” stated Executive Director Annette Skafgaard in the press release. “This has been an amazingly difficult two years. We have been challenged in ways we never imagined. Yet, through the resilience of our staff, the generosity of our donors, and the vision of our leadership, we continue to foster the values of our Franciscan sponsors.”
Among the programs and services St. Coletta’s offers includes: a school; community day services with job and trade training; and group homes with 24/7 assistance as well as social coordinating.
“The individuals we serve are our strength and inspiration,” stated Skafgaard at the May 21 benefit. “Every day they bring to life the true meaning of joy, fellowship, compassion and courage. We are grateful for their presence in our lives, and we are indebted to each of you whose generosity and commitment sustain our efforts on their behalf.”
Sponsors of the event were: the Anthony R. and Mary Ann Pasquinelli Family Foundation; Complete Collision Care, Inc.; Lexus of Orland Park; Wolniak Funeral Home; Toyota Financial Services; Alera Group; Old Plank Trail Community Bank; and Ozinga Foundation.
Learn more about St. Coletta’s at www.stcolettasofil.org or call (708) 342-5200.
TPHS students receive UN service awards
By JON DEPAOLIS, Publisher
Students from Tinley Park High School have been recognized with National Community Service Awards as part of the United Nations Global Goals program.
In total, 48 students from TPHS were given the awards for their work.
“I am so proud of our 48 Titan students who went above and beyond to represent our school and community with their service,” stated TPHS Principal Theresa Nolan in a press release. “We congratulate these students whose volunteerism is being recognized at the national level. Their leadership efforts truly exemplify the Titan Spirit.”
Edward Mankiewicz was an Ambassador awardees.
Honor awardees were Elizabeth Hoefs, Timothy James, Raneem Masoud, Michael Morrell and Sydney Shapkauski.
Merit awardees were Carl Assmus, Martha Barraza, Maria Cano, Megan Cantor, Charles Desnoyers, Tiffany Do, Taylor Drabek, Zion Dyer, Laila Fields, Ashley Garcia, Emily Gattone, Alexis Gaydos, Lea Godin, Evelyn Grage, Kelsey Green, Alexander James, Joshua Jennings, Abdallah Kanan, Taylor Keiran, Jonahbelle Labampa, Magnum McManigal, Rhea Moorer, Ryan Neilly, Jodi Newtoff, Ella Piorek, Caroline Poncin, Dominic Rana, Stephanie Rosiles, Sofia Sandoval, Jasmine Scott, Nicole Susnis, Victoria Tokarczyk, Gianna Ulcigrai, Claire Vodnik, Sophia Vodnik, Megan Wilson, Molly Wilson, Katelin Wolken-Wright and Hannah Wollschlager.
Zero Hero awardees were Brayden Carroll, Ashley Garcia, Emily Gattone, Lea Godin, Elizabeth Hoefs, Gerges Ibrahim, Sydney Shapkauski, Kyle Tabay and Megan Wilson.