On April 13, 2014 One Hope United – Northern Region held its 11th Annual Blue Ribbon Event to Prevent Child Abuse at the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa, IL. And what an amazing day it was!

Over 200 people attended the event, raising nearly $90,000 to benefit OHU’s child abuse prevention programs. The highlight of the event was Keynote Speaker, Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer and Regional VP at Walgreens, who enraptured the audience with his personal account of being in the foster care system and the wonderful people in his life who helped him along his journey.

Also in attendance were six boys from the CARE Residential program who assisted with the raffles. They thoroughly enjoyed the day and responded positively to Steve Pemberton’s inspirational remarks, which told a story not unlike their own.

In addition to the popular raffle items, the day featured a live auction. One of the items to receive the highest bid was a Garden Party with food and champagne to be served at the winner’s home for 20 people, generously donated by Mike and Mary Smith, Cindy Lusignan and Nancy Miller. The guest servers at this Garden Party will OHU Board Member Howard Schnitzer and nine-year-old Abby Bergl, whose tireless fundraising efforts for OHU over the years and have raised close to $30,000! Howard’s apron read “Abby’s Assistant” and Abby’s apron read “Howard’s Boss.” This Garden Party sold for $2500!

Thank you again to all who attended this day filled with hope and inspiration, laughter and a few tears, old acquaintances and new friends. Please take a few moments to peruse our online photo album. We’ll see you in 2015!