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Chefs, Restaurant Owners, and ABC-7’s Kevin Roy Come to the Table for Mental Health and Raise Over $67,000 for Family Service! Nearly 200 people filled the Oak Park Country Club on Friday, May 5th as Family Service & Mental Health Center of Oak Park & River Forest presented its 2006 Community Partnership Award to area restaurants and food purveyors in honor of their generous support of the local nonprofit community. The award presentation was a part of Family Service’s spring gala, Come to the Table: Creating a Recipe for Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities. ABC-7 reporter Kevin Roy acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Mr. Roy read aloud the parable of stone soup, in which many villagers each contribute a modest amount of vegetables to a soup pot. The result is a hearty and nourishing meal that provides enough for everyone. “All of us here tonight are very much like these villagers,” said Mr. Roy. “Our contributions provide truly meaningful support of the diverse programs of Family Service.”
President and CEO Dan Kill provided those gathered with several ‘recipes’ for creating healthy minds, bodies, and communities. “The ability to understand and express our feelings in appropriate ways, the ability to forgive others, and the ability to care for ourselves and others both emotionally and physically are vital to our wellbeing,” said Mr. Kill. Event Co-Chairs Sharon Lennox and Anthony Ruggiero thanked those in attendance. “Family Service is a truly wonderful organization that does wonderful things,” said Mrs. Lennox. “We are thrilled that all of you could Come to the Table,” added Mr. Ruggiero. “So let us eat and be merry!” Board Chair Michael Lennox presented the Community Partnership Award to Honorary Chair Chris Koetke, Dean of Culinary Arts at Kendall College, who received the award on behalf of area restaurateurs and food purveyors. A highlight of the event was the live auction, which featured dinner packages donated by local restaurants, including Blue Duck Catering, Café le Coq, Charlie Trotter’s, Cucina Roma, Deluxe Events & Catering, Hemmingway’s, Madison St. Grill, Maria’s, Slaton’s Supper Club, and Winberie’s. A fierce-yet-friendly bidding war erupted as Charlie Trotter’s Guest Chef for a Day experience hit the auction block—but in the end, Julie Christopher was victorious. Deborah and Alan Braxton claimed a dinner for eight prepared in-home by Café le Coq’s Steven Chiappetti. “What a great opportunity to have such a renowned chef cooking in our home,” said Mrs. Braxton. “Café Le Coq is one of our favorite restaurants.” A dinner prepared by Blue Duck Catering featuring Oak Park-based author Alex Kotlowitz went to Jackie Moore and Mark Fields. Those in attendance did indeed Come to the Table—the event raised over $67,000 for the community-responsive programs of Family Service. Family Service’s Community Partnership Award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate support of local nonprofit organizations through collaboration and partnership. Previous spring gala recipients of the Community Partnership Award include area bankers and local realtors.
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