Gala for Alexian Brothers Foundation raises nearly $800,000 for behavioral medicine

Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur Mistress of Ceremonies Robin Robinson (Chicago), Mary Franco, Vice President, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. (Presenting Sponsor for the 2018 Alexian Brothers Ball), Mark Frey (Crystal Lake), President and CEO, AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System and Melanie Furlan (Indian Head Park), Vice President, Advancement, Alexian Brothers Foundation
Mike Benoit (Bartlett), Alexian Brothers Foundation Board Chair and Managing Director, The Wealth Office, DiMeo Schneider & Associates, Melanie Furlan (Indian Head Park), Vice President, Advancement, Alexian Brothers Foundation and Mark Frey (Crystal Lake), President and CEO, AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System around the carousel at the Lincoln Park Zoo

It was an evening filled with the wonder of wildlife when nearly 500 guests united amidst the silhouette of city skyscrapers for the 32nd Annual Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur on Saturday, May 5 at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

A warm spring evening welcomed supporters of the Alexian Brothers mission as they mixed elegance with exploration for one of the most unique settings of the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s annual philanthropic gala.

The enthusiasm was reflected in the evening’s success as guests, along with the presenting sponsor Superior Ambulance Service and 30 corporate sponsors, helped to raise nearly $800,000 to help transform bodies, minds and spirits of community members recovering from substance use and behavioral health disorders.

Refined décor adorned the main tent which featured brilliant chandeliers, blooming centerpieces and gold accents for the “Safari Under the Stars” themed gala complete with a delectable four-course gourmet dinner. Alexian Brothers Ball guests were invited to gander at the African lions and take a whirl around the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel.

The event program incorporated a compelling video telling the journeys of two children on the autism spectrum and the support provided by AMITA Health Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center. Mistress of Ceremonies Robin Robinson, Director of Community Affairs for the Chicago Police Department, brought her respected broadcasting experience to the stage as she introduced Mary Franco, Vice President, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., to give the toast.

“Tonight we spotlight the needs of those on the autism spectrum and continue our crusade to break the stigma associated with mental illness and psychiatric disorders,” shared Mark Frey, President and CEO, AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System. The Alexian Brothers began their healthcare mission more than 800 years ago in Europe and more locally in 1866.

For more information, www.alexianfoundation.org

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