SUN CITY – Years ago, when Jack Gilhooly, N. 12, met Father Scott Donahue, then a young Chicago deacon, a friendship was formed that would lead to both men helping the neediest children in Chicago.
Donahue would become a priest serving in churches around Chicago and is now president and CEO of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.
Children like those pictured are given a home at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago. Proceeds from Jack Gilhooly’s benefit dinner goes toward supporting the program, which receives no government funding. (Photo provided)
Five years ago, Gilhooly connected with Donahue and Mercy Home by hosting a fundraiser dinner in Drendel Ballroom with proceeds benefiting the home and its mission of helping children with no place else to turn.
Where: Drendel Ballroom
When: October 14 Dinner begins after 5 p.m., cash bar opens at 4:30
Tickets $33 per person, private donations can be made in envelopes
To R.S.V.P by October 10, call Gilhooly at 847-515-8260
Gilhooly was inspired by the stories he heard of Mercy Home children becoming exceptional adults who contributed back to society that at first offered them so little.
On October 14, Gilhooly will host his fifth annual fundraiser in Drendel Ballroom. Reservations can be made through October 10 by calling Gilhooly at 847-515-8260. Gilhooly said he can handle walk-ins, but only if space allows.
Each year, about 200 attendees enjoy the event, and Gilhooly said last year the dinner raised $1991 for Mercy Home through tickets, a cash raffle, and private donations.
In addition to supporting youth at the Mercy Home, each attendee’s $33 ticket gets them an all-you-can-eat corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes dinner, plus a slice of apple pie to top it off.
Harrington’s Deli of Chicago has supplied the food and catered the event for all five years, which is no coincidence.
“From the time I was old enough to fall out of the cradle, my family has used Harrington’s corned beef for several occasions,” Gilhooly said.
The corned beef is not the only draw, however. Every year, Gilhooly’s event features live entertainment. This year, Simply Jeorge, a minister, singer, and storyteller, will entertain the audience.
Simply Jeorge’s repertoire includes songs in the style of crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as operatic fare. The singer preformed a few months ago in Drendel Hall, and Gilhooly, who was in the audience, knew he wanted him at the fundraiser.
“When he was all through singing, there were about 150, 200 people in the room. It was as quiet as a bird, and everybody stood up and applauded–this man was so good,” Gilhooly said.
Finally, Gilhooly offered his personal guarantee to anyone unsure if they can make it to the dinner.
“Once you’ve had the food, you’ll come back,” he said. “If you’ve never had it before, you will be back, I guarantee you that.”
1 Comment
Very inspirational.