01/20/2015
So it’s the day after the first ever “The Art Of Giving hope” fundraiser and I have so many to thank for yesterday’s event!
I just want to start by thanking Acquaviva Winery and the Brandonisio Family for opening up their home (Acquaviva Winery) to all of us for this wonderful event and welcoming everyone in with open arms. There is only one word to sum up yesterday’s event and that is AMAZING!
For me it was a very emotional day and one I will never forget. As I watched all the beautiful art and floral pieces being brought in for display, I was overwhelmed by the talent, beauty and creativity of everyone who participated. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance yesterday to say what needed to be said , as I knew I would become a blubbering cry baby. That being said , I wanted to write this to all of you now from the comfort of my chair and semi rested from the unbelievable evening yesterday. To all the floral designers and artists who were there, I am truly grateful for your time , talent and contribution to the success of this event. Thank you !!! When I started this journey 4 months ago I was just feeling my way along on what to do and hoping all would turn out. I had never done anything like this before, and along the way I have met some unbelievable people that I now call friends.
The first person I want to thank is my buddy Stephen Ferran from Acquaviva winery who was so instrumental in the success of this event. When I was running out of steam he would pep me up and reassure me of how awesome everything would be. He is such a positive and giving person. It has been a blast working with you Stephen . Thank you for all of your support and belief in what we were doing.
Secondly I would like to thank my mentor and trail guide …the wonderful Lori Hewitt, who is the Director of Development at CASA. Here is another very special person who has stayed positive and kept me from giving up . Thank you Lori for all your guidance and support to make this fundraiser such a success.
I also would like to thank Elizabeth Bellaver from the St. Charles Arts Council , who Curated our event and was key in getting all of the spectacular art available for me to choose from. For all your time and expertise I am truly grateful.
One major element of the exhibit was how to display all the artwork . That’s where my dear friend Anna from Beautiful Day Linens comes in. Thank you Anna, and your wonderful family for all the time and energy you put into setting up such an unbelievable backdrop for all the amazing art and florals. Your contribution made this event top notch.
Special thanks to Kevin from Alliance creative group who generously donated all the printing and graphics for this event.
Thank you to my good friend Tom, from Tom Nicol Photography. He just shared some of the pictures he took yesterday, and they are beautiful. Thank you Tom!
To our entertainment for the evening; Josh from Spin ‘n Play DJ’s and the smooth sound of the Mary Hunt Duo. Thank You!
If you have a sweet tooth and you were there then you know what amazing desserts we had, and I just want to thank all the bakers who donated all of their delicious treats. Your contributions were enjoyed by all!
To all of the staff at Acquaviva who gave of their time for this event and served up some first class culinary delights; thank you!
I was overwhelmed by the amount of raffle donations I was able to collect in only 3 days last week. I think the raffle went on for about 40 minutes and everyone had so much fun collecting their goodies. Thank you to all the local businesses for your support!
I hope I didn’t forget anyone. If I did, I am sorry and I’m sure I will remember in the morning and kick myself.
But lastly I would like to thank my inspiration and dear friend…Doris Hunt, who is one of the most giving people I have ever met and one of the founders of CASA Kane County. To her I am grateful for all her love and support that made this event the success that it was. When I shared the idea for this fundraiser she was so encouraging and excited. If you’re lucky enough to know her, you can’t help but love her. For twenty five years I watched her devotion and dedication to CASA and its children. I always dreamed I would have the time and resources to contribute to the cause. Now was the time and I am so looking forward to next year’s event out at the winery , because they have so graciously invited us back again for the second annual ‘The Art of Giving Hope”. How wonderful is that? Nothing is more precious than a child and we are all responsible for the care of those who cannot speak for themselves. Be a voice for a child and support CASA Kane County in any way you can. It will fill your heart and hopefully save a child.
With Love,
Marie
P.S.
On a side note, check out another organization called FORM. This was a fundraiser I participated in last year in Chicago and how I got the idea for “The Art of Giving Hope”. Some more floral designers and Artist’s making a difference.
