The 24th year of the Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Lake County kicked off the year with their annual New Member Tea.  It was held Tuesday, September 18th at the beautiful home of Michele Medzigian, Lake Forest.  President Debby Lambert welcomed over 62 women, discussed our upcoming events and asked all to consider contributing to make this a successful year.

Our 2011-2012 season which raised over $275,000.00 culminated with the annual Art of Caring Gala held on May 19, 2012 with Al and Mary Ann Moschner as honorary co-chairs.

Terry Denny, Senior Regional Director, thanked the Women’s Board members for contributing much needed diapers to the Diaper Depot.  She described the program which supports the mission of Catholic Charities by supplementing the supply of clean, disposable diapers for families in need.

Donna Drinka, Program Director, Community Caseworker/Transitional Housing Programs discussed Catholic Charities’ assistance to Lake County Samaritan House which is a 90-day transitional emergency shelter for homeless women and their children.  It also provides basic needs, individual and group counseling, parenting education and housing placement assistance.  Julie Palella and Mary Wynn spoke about our upcoming Samaritan House Shower which will be held at the next meeting on November 14.  They provided members with a wish list of items that are needed by the women in the program.

Jeanne Eckstrom, Kathy Brosmith, Joann LaPorte and Sally Stoll spoke about the upcoming Christmas Gift Giving 2012 Program which will take place between December 9th and 17th.  They urged all members to take on an active and committed role in encouraging friends to participate by volunteering their time and donating items needed.

“We are excited about our plans for the Women’s Board for 2012-2013. We have started some new initiatives that will offer additional opportunities for our members to serve Catholic Charities.  And our members continue to be driven by our goal to do whatever we can to help Catholic Charities offer services that guide our neighbors out of poverty and provide critical support to our communities in Lake County,” said Debby Lambert, Women’s Board President.

The Women’s Board continues providing opportunities for volunteerism, raising vital funds for programs and increasing awareness of all Catholic Charities is doing for the neediest in Lake County.  For more information to become  involved in the Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Lake County, please contact Mary Ellen Mason (847) 782-4115.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the largest private, not-for-profit social service agencies in the Midwest, annually assisting 1.1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities.