Heart of Gold Ball 2022: A Record-breaking Celebration

On an evening full of joy, heartwarming stories, standing ovations honoring staff and community members, and an after party complete with a dramatic lightning strike — Hephzibah supporters gave more generously than ever before at this year’s Heart of Gold Ball on March 5^th.

It was an incredible way to celebrate Hephzibah’s 125^th anniversary as the excited crowd cheered when Heart of Gold Award winners Ken and Patty Hunt announced that they would donate up to $250,000 as a challenge match and then total donations for the evening surpassed all expectations for a grand total of $623,000.

The Hephzibah spirit of community was felt throughout the evening as those in attendance not only celebrated the organization’s mission and rich history, but as meaningful awards were given to deserving recipients.

Melissa Smith and Peter Murphy, who were both served by Hephzibah programs when they were children, were honored for their twenty-five years of service as staff members and met with standing ovations. Long standing staff member Mary Tortorici was honored for her retirement as the Director of Finance after more than 27 years at Hephzibah.

Community members and philanthropists, Ken and Patty Hunt, were awarded the Heart of Gold Award along with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon for their generous support of Hephzibah and particularly for their strategic support to organizations in need during the pandemic.

But the honoree who stole the hearts of many in the room was Keith Elkins, who was given the very first Hephzibah Hero Award –- which recognize former residents of Hephzibah Home who personally exemplify the core values of the organization. Keith’s acceptance speech, which was pre-recorded as at ninety years old he was unable to travel to join the event in person, spoke honestly about how the home he found at Hephzibah when he was only 4 years old during the great depression helped to shape him for the rest of his life.

After the program was over, gleeful guests danced the night away. Even a lightning strike to the building couldn’t bring the party to a close as the band played on and guests enjoyed the remainder of the evening as the storms passed through outside.

We are so deeply grateful for all of our Hephzibah supporters who made this an event to remember for the next 125 years!

If you weren’t able to give at the gala, you can donate today and your gift will still be matched by the Hunt’s Heart of Gold Challenge – we only have $18,374 until we reach the total $250,000 match!

Thanks again to our Heart of Gold Award recipients:
Senator Don Harmon
Ken & Patty Hunt

Thanks to our Honorary Gala Committee:
Kathy & Vincent Ambrosino
Bryan & Amanda Bickell
Mary & William DiSomma
Ron & Cathy Fox
Jodi Fyfe & Devin Quinn
Maria Garvy
Jeff & Sarah Mauro
Michelle Durpetti & Collin Pierson

Special thanks to our amazing Gala Committee who put in extra time, effort, and energy to make this year’s event a success!
Kenna MacKinnon, Chair
Maria Anthony
Emily Carroll
Kathy Malpede
Kristen Reale
Sarah Roberts
Jen Weaver

Big thanks to our Gala Sponsors

Gold Heart Sponsor
Hephzibah Children’s Trust

Silver Heart Sponsors
Mary & William DiSomma
Cathy & Ron Fox
CIBC
The Good Heart, Work Smart Foundation

Bronze Heart Sponsors
Anonymous
Jim & Kathy Malpede
Sidley

Table Sponsors
Kathy & Vince Ambrosino
Jackie Barlow
Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation
Capstone Financial Advisors
Christopher & Emily Carroll
Darren Jackson & Jennifer Ellis-Jackson
Lisa & Shaun Emerson
Amy Muran Felton & Thadford Felton
Maria Garvy
Gene & Georgetti
Don Harmon
Ken & Patty Hunt
John & Nancy Ide
Inspire 11
Kite Realty Group
Lyvon
Kenna & Michael MacKinnon
Mauro Provisions
Northwestern Medicine
Dave & Lynde O’Brien
The Paramount Group
Donna Rolf
Michelle Olson & Peter Senechalle
SAP Concur
Jesse Rosas & Merry Beth Sheets
Lance & Mary Tortorici
Jon Yates & Trine Tsouderos