A Sparkle of Hope that Never Dulls!
Last month on Sunday, September 22, I returned to the The Sparkle of Hope Fundraiser Luncheon where I had the honor of being the emcee for this year’s gathering!
Together At Peace (TAP) featured an incredible line-up of speakers, guests, and organizations including USA Today bestselling author of Normal Broken Kelly Cervantes, Maureen Claffy and the Maureen Claffy Art Academy!
The luncheon had interactive activities both adults and children attending could enjoy! Ever heard of a Mobile Library? Or a permanent jewelry station? Well the Sparkle of Hope Luncheon had both at their event and more! There was also additional interactive artistic stations such as Hug-A-Bear Building Station, photo-ops with a balloon background, and live art-making with the talented Brooke and Ange. My partners as well, were featured in the Silent Auction, offering some exclusive deals and items, giving back to the TAP and Chicago community.
The unimaginable feeling of losing a loved one or knowing someone, who has experienced loss hits our hearts deeply. Grief never goes away, but what can bring those a little more comfort, is a guiding light, there to support them and honor those they have lost.
Together at Peace (TAP), a foundation I’ve been long-time partnered with, makes it their mission to support and provide care for those, who have experienced loss. Collaborating with bereavement care programs driven by the same mission, TAP creates unique, and impactful methods that help raise funds that directly impact those going through their journeys of grief. Funds that provide comfort and relief during a time they need it most.
Hosting conversations of hope has been my life’s purpose. These conversations bring a sense of common ground and inspiration to those going through difficult times, and every individual’s story is a testament of their courage, strength, and compassion. Every year, this luncheon is a cornerstone of inspiration that I am so grateful to be a part of.
This year we raised $103,602! These funds were donated to Camp Kesem (Northwestern Chapter), an organization that supports children affected by a parent’s cancer, building empowering year-round programs that instill pillars of connection and value. These funds make a major difference in enhancing their camp experience.
And of course, I want to give a shoutout to my lovely friends, Christine Marzullo and Brittany Jelinek, who worked endlessly in planning this luncheon and ensuring it was such a blast! You two are making the sparkle in this world brighter, and your work makes such a difference to all the lives you touch.
See you at next year’s luncheon on September 28, 2025!
