Gue st E s s a y by Jeanne Varwig Red Carpet Treatment A p p r oa c h i n g t h e p o d i u m l a s t O c t o b e r , I was pretty nervous. Public speaking is the number one fear of most people … and in that moment I could relate. Will I trip on my long dress? Lose my place? My heart was beating so hard that I thought everyone could probably hear it. Once I stood at the microphone, though, and looked out at the audience, my racing heart started to settle down. I saw so many familiar faces and smiles of encouragement. It became clear that we were all there for the same reason: to support our local hospital’s strong impact on the health of the community. I took a deep breath, looked over at my husband and the many tables full of family and friends and began my welcome, ‘On behalf of our entire committee, I am delighted to say ‘Welcome to the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Gala. Thank you for joining us this evening to improve the lives of so many people in our community.’ 32 • Quintessential Barrington | QB ar r ing ton .com Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital’s 2011 Gala Committee members. In front, from left: Jeanne Varwig (Chairwoman), Carol Lenz, Kathy Bay-Lichte, and Kathy Liska. In back, from left: Gene Dawson, Ed Tolle, Joe Kelsch, Fran Houlihan and Marc Barbeau. Not pictured: Maggie Gorman, Bill Moston, Judy Tolle, and Bettye Traylor. Several years ago, after our son was born, I opted not to return to the fastpaced banking world. I needed to find something productive to be passionate about to fill my “me” time. As I considered various volunteer opportunities, the Good Shepherd Gala Committee caught my attention. The Gala Committee is comprised of dynamic, intelligent and energetic people who share that common goal of helping to make a difference in our community, not just to plan The world around us may have changed. a party. After attending a few meetings, I was hooked – first as a committee member, and more recently, as chairwoman of the event. Planning for the Gala 2011 is firmly underway, and it’s clear that this year’s event, the “Red Carpet Ball,” will be truly special because of the unique combination of its poignant beneficiary, as well as a program intended to make our guests be the stars. Let me explain a bit more. Each year, Good Shepherd executive leadership collaborates with the Gala Committee to identify a project to be funded by the Gala proceeds. I was thrilled to learn that proceeds from this year’s event will specifically benefit the youth of Good Shepherd’s community through programs for Healthy Teens. These programs include: • EKG screens for teens, to detect heart trouble, aiding in the prevention of sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is a silent killer for teens. In 2010, Good Shepherd sponsored screenings for more than 1,200 Barrington High School students. Results produced some irregular findings which were further examined for the students. • Operation Click, a program developed in the late 1990s, works to increase seatbelt usage among teen drivers and passengers, who are reported to have the lowest rate of seatbelt use. • In recent studies, Illinois ranked fourth in the nation for childhood obesity with one in three children found to be overweight or obese. The program, C.A.T.C.H. (Cooperative Approach to Childhood Health), helps to raise awareness about nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of physical activity. • Collaborative community support for teens struggling with mental health issues. As a mother to a young son and stepmom to two Barrington High School teens, I know that being a teen is not always easy. I feel so fortunate to have a hospital that is truly committed to improving the health and safety of our children by sponsoring these programs that have a positive impact on the young people they reach. On Saturday, October 1, 2011 the Good Shepherd Hospital Gala Committee will roll out the red carpet for everyone who values and supports our local hospital and the Healthy Teens initiatives, and wants to participate in the party The experience has not. Relax and enjoy the beautifully manicured grounds, friendly hospitality and exciting activities of a resort destination. Set in a spectacular lakefront setting just minutes from the quaint shops and activities of Lake Geneva. Whether it’s a girlfriends getaway, a romantic retreat or a fun-filled family vacation; we welcome you to discover Lake Geneva at a classic lakeside retreat, The Abbey Resort. For information, call 800.709.1323 or visit theabbeyresort.com. EXTENDED STAY PACKAGES BEGINNING AT $139/NIGHT* *Plus taxes and resort fee. Package pricing based on best available rate of the day. that offers the star treatment. This black tie optional event will feature entertainment unlike any gala before, and the successful Fine Wine Silent Auction will continue as a key fundraising activity. The gala is now in its fourteenth year. Over the past five years, the event has generated more than $1.3 million for our hospital. I’m sure that I’ll be a bit nervous as I step to the podium again this year, and hope to see you smiling in the audience as a returning guest, or a newcomer. Mark your calendars for Gala 2011 in October. We hope to see you on the red carpet. It’s your turn to be the star. To purchase tickets or a table for you and your friends, please visit www.advocatehealth.com/goodshepherdgala or call Sue Abderholden at 800.709.1323 | theabbeyresort.com 269 Fontana Boulevard, Fontana, Wisconsin 53125 ©2011 The Abbey Resort. Managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group 847.381.4026. QB ar r ing ton .com | Quintessential Barrington • 33