Tickets on Sale for Metropolitan Family Services’ 31st Annual Holiday Celebration

Celebrate the season of giving at the Metropolitan Family Services 31st Annual Holiday Celebration Saturday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m., at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. The fabulous evening is punctuated by live entertainment, silent and live auctions and a raffle for a wine collection featuring select vintages. This year, the Gerst Family will be honored as Metropolitan’s “Family of the Year” for their enduring support and efforts on behalf of Metropolitan.

Guests also will be treated to musical performances by musician Sammie Torres and His Latin Soul Ensemble, as well as vocalist Liane Williams.

Due to the support of a generous anonymous donor, 100 percent of the event proceeds will directly benefit programming at Metropolitan Family Services, which has been helping families since 1857. Families are the heart of strong communities, and Metropolitan invests in services to help them lead healthy, productive lives. Tickets are $350. For more information, click here or call 312-986-4172.

The Gerst Family is Metropolitan’s Family of the Year – Metropolitan is proud to recognize the leadership and contributions C. Gary Gerst and his son, Graham Gerst, have made to positively impact the lives of Chicago area families and communities.Gary joined Metropolitan’s board in 1994, is a past chairman and is the longest-serving current board member. He has served for many years on the executive committee, was chairman of the Social Policy Committee, as well as chairman of one of only two capital campaigns in the history of the agency. He currently is chairman of the Investment Committee.

Graham, served as a member of the Metro Board for nine years and as its chairman from 2005 to 2007.

Gary Gerst, co-founder and one-time co-chairman of LaSalle Partners, the predecessor of Jones Lang LaSalle, also is active in several other not-profit Chicago organizations and civic agencies.

Metropolitan Family Services would like to thank the following individuals whose dedication and support have been integral to this year’s gala:

Event Co-Chairs – Merle Goldblatt Cohen and Seymour A. Cohen; Frank M. and Dr. Vera A. Clark; Roger C. and Stephanie Hochschild; Tony W. and Susan Hunter; W. Kirk and Caroline James; Michael Joyce and Ashley Duchossois Joyce; Martha W. and Richard Melman; Barbara Rapp; Eileen P. Scudder; and Byron O. Spruell.

Host Committee – W. Kirk James, Committee Chair; Erik D. Barefield; Merle Goldblatt Cohen; Erin M. Gardiner; Stephen M. Griesemer; Roger C. Hochschild; Tony W. Hunter; Ashley Duchossois Joyce; Martha W. Melman;Virginia Johnson Pillman; Barbara Rapp; Sophia Ruffolo; Eileen P. Scudder; and David S. Tropp.

Sponsors to date for this year’s Celebration include the following: Metropolitan Champions ($50,000+) – Frank M. and Dr. Vera A. Clark, Tribune Media Group; Metropolitan Advocates ($25,000+) – Merle Goldblatt Cohen and Seymour Cohen, ComEd, Deloitte, Discover, Michael Joyce and Ashley Duchossois Joyce, Roger C. and Stephanie Hochschild, Hub International Limited, Martha W. and Richard Melman, Mesirow Financial, Barbara Rapp, Byron O. and Sedra M. Spruell, Eileen P. Scudder and Russell E. Zimmermann; Metropolitan Family Connectors ($10,000+) – Chicago Blackhawks, Illinois Tool Works.

About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services gives hope and help to families. We are human service leaders, dedicated to strengthening low-income, Chicago-area families. Families are the heart of strong communities, and we invest in services to help them reach their full potential. Metropolitan serves more than 50,000 families and individuals annually through seven community centers in the city and suburbs.