With 153 programs at 154 locations throughout Cook and Lake counties, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago serves nearly 1 million individuals at all stages of life: providing nourishment for mothers and their babies, preparing children of low-income families for school, keeping youth in school and out of gangs, providing adults with job training, and supporting seniors through affordable housing and in-home care.
On Dec. 7, the 29th annual Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball was held at the Hilton Chicago. More than 1,250 guests gathered in support of the agency’s nine child development centers, after-school programs, counseling services, and teen-parenting centers, raising $1,485,000.
Guests were invited to participate in the Celebration of Giving Toy Drive, bringing new toys for children served by Catholic Charities.
The black-tie event was hosted by Most Rev. Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, and Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland, president of Catholic Charities, along with chairs Mr. and Mrs. Scott Swanson. The evening included cocktails, dinner, and live music from Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, a Make It Better Best of 2018 winner.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Swanson and PNC served as the 2018 Ball Magi sponsors.
Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
