Rotary Foundation Raises $79,808 For Local Charities

Libertyville, IL, March 10, 2021: Libertyville Sunrise Rotary (LSR) held it’s 2021 fundraiser, the “Remarkable People Variety Show,” on February 27th, raising a remarkable $79,808 for local charities. The virtual event included a talent show featuring local high school students, a traditional silent auction and 50/50 raffle, along with a spectacular “Paddle Raise” netting nearly $30,000 for Mothers Trust Foundation, the primary beneficiary this year. The fundraiser also included home-delivered dinners from local restaurants Main Street Social, Mickey Finn’s and Café Pyrenees.

“Libertyville Sunrise Rotary wants thanks the many individuals, volunteers, local businesses and sponsors who made our 2021 event one of our most successful fundraisers ever,” said Tom Zengeler, current LSR President. “When planning the event, we hoped to raise at least as much as the winter 2020 event, our last in-person fundraiser. Thanks to the hard work and generous donations from hundreds of supporters, the actual amount raised was a 30%+ increase from 2021. Local Rotarians, the public at large and our sponsors provided remarkable support for our Foundation. That spirit even extended to the winner of our 50/50 raffle, who immediately donated their $4,470 winnings directly to Mothers Trust!”

Talent for the evening featured current and former students of Libertyville, Lake Forest and Carmel Catholic High Schools, along with Woodlands Academy, St. Joseph’s School. Performances included music, modern dance, a soloist, as well as a brother and sister duo who collaborated to create spectacular chalk art scenes from throughout the world. Their remarkable work “went viral” during the pandemic and has already included an appearance on Good Morning America, among other places. An image of one of their sidewalk art compositions is enclosed / attached below.

The Remarkable People Variety Show fundraiser was supported by more than 200 participants, the vast majority of whom attended via Zoom on the evening of the event. At the outset, attendees were invited to join individual “Zoom rooms” the equivalent of a “table” at a live event. After enjoying their meals and socializing with friends at their “tables,” attendees rejoined the larger event, where they were formally welcomed by Tom Zengeler. Throughout the rest of the evening, attendees were treated to a combination of student performances, a focus on fundraising from “Auctioneer” Tucker Olson, , then were guided through the remainder of the evening by our Master of Ceremonies, Doug Fendon.

“The volunteers who contributed their talents to the evening deserve special recognition,” continued Zengeler. “A special shout-out goes to Jimmy Connell of Craftsman Media, who coordinated the talent portion of the event. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Diana Taylor, who made sure our Zoom connection and ‘Zoom rooms’ worked seamlessly. I’d also like to thank Tucker and Doug for an excellent job leading us through the evening, along with all the other hard working Rotarians, volunteers, donors and sponsors. Our remarkable team certainly embodied Rotary's motto of ‘Service Above Self’ with how they came through for our Foundation and the local charities who will share the donations.”

Attached is an example of the chalk art created by artist Macaire Everett of Libertyville, with her brother Camden featured in the drawing of the Giants Causeway Bridge in Northern Ireland. Their book, The World From Our Driveway, is available on Amazon. For more information about this year’s Remarkable People Variety Show, please contact Tom Zengeler, Chapter President (by phone 847.272.6550, ext.14; or by eMail tzengeler@zengelercleaners.com). For more information about Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and the Club’s charitable Foundation, please visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2389.