Honoring Those In Our Community and Celebrating Spring!

As if the angels were shining spotlights on the Beverly Country Club, it was any extraordinarily sunny Sunday afternoon on March 18, 2018 for the Annual Margaret’s Village Spring Luncheon and Fundraiser. Friends gathered, about three hundred strong, in support of this benevolent organization, Margaret’s Village, that provides transitional housing for women, children and families and offers experiences that empower, support and transform individuals so they can achieve their highest potential.

The highlight of the afternoon was the awards ceremony honoring Donatta Yates, a life-long Chicago South-sider, a loyal supporter of the shelters, and at 92, an inspiration to us all. Donatta received the Committed Heart Award.

Michelle I. Tines has been working with Margaret’s Village for seventeen years, and whenever the agency needs something, she finds a way to make it happen, by helping to secure grants, manage job placements or acquire clothing, bedding and toiletries. Michelle’s dedication was recognized with the Frank & Joan Tobin Service Award.

This year we decided to add Joan Tobin’s name to the service award. For decades, Joan and her husband Frank, generously gave their time tutoring children and parents at the shelters, and energize the annual spring luncheon by helping gather raffle prizes and by bringing tables full of family and friends. Congratulations to our honorees!

We were all touched by the moving story from Melanie L., a young mother, who found herself homeless with a gravely ill child and thought she had nowhere to turn until a social worker at the hospital referred her to Margaret’s Village. She spoke of the love and acceptance she felt when she arrived at Maria Shelter; the intake process she experienced with a case worker to help her establish goals for getting back on her feet; and, her pride and gratitude as she shared the news of finding a job and a place to call home for herself and her children.

It’s courageous individuals like this young woman who remind us why we support Margaret’s Village in their meaningful work at the Maria and Believe Shelters and the Vincennes Senior Center. The afternoon ended will joyful cheers as raffle prizes were won by lucky guests. With a grateful heart, we give thanks to all those who donated raffle prizes, placed ads in the ad book, and to all the friends who joined us on this glorious day at the Margaret’s Village Spring Luncheon.

To learn more about Margaret’s Village or to donate to its programs, visit www.margaretsvillage.org/donate. If you are interested in volunteering, serving on the planning committee for next year’s event, or receiving newsletters from Margaret’s Village please contact geri.kerger@margaretsvillage.org.