Metropolitan Family Services’ Raises More Than $900K Gross at Holiday Celebration

Generous sponsors and guests helped Metropolitan Family Services raise more than $900,000 gross in proceeds at the 30th Annual Holiday Celebration, held Saturday, December 3, 2011, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. The Knuepfer Family was honored as Metropolitan’s “Family of the Year” for its many contributions to Metropolitan Family Services and Metropolitan’s DuPage Center.

More than 500 guests came out to enjoy an evening emceed by WGN-TV’s Mark Suppelsa and featuring various entertainment and activities, including performances by Sammie Torres and The Pilsen Art Ensemble; two student musical groups, The Reinberg Elementary Ensemble and the Calumet Out-of-School Time Community Choir; as well as live and silent auctions, a wine raffle featuring select vintages, and a Holiday Tree raffle, the latter benefiting Metropolitan’s parenting programs.

The Knuepfer family has actively supported Metropolitan Family Services for many years. Robert (Robb) C. Knuepfer, Jr., Partner with Baker & McKenzie, became involved with Metropolitan Family Services in the 1990s, and as a member of the DuPage Community Center Board served on its Development Committee; he also served as President of Metropolitan Family Services’ Board of Directors from 2004-2005.

Robb’s children, Robert III, Lauren Knuepfer Rozum, Jenny and Joe are all involved with Metropolitan’s Metro Board. His brothers, Dave and Jim Knuepfer, owners of DuPage Machine Products, also have supported Metropolitan for many years. Dave served on the DuPage Board from 2000-2006 and has been an Associate Board Member since 2006. He also has been a longtime supporter of the DuPage Gala.

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. Clark and Dr. Vera A. Clark; Roger C. Hochschild and Stephanie Hochschild; Tony W. Hunter and Susan Hunter; Ashley Duchossois Joyce and Michael Joyce; Martha W. Melman and Richard Melman; and Barbara Rapp.

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

Special thanks to all sponsors, including media sponsors the Chicago Tribune, TCW and Make it Better.

Proceeds will benefit Metropolitan Family Services, one of Chicago’s first and largest human services organizations, which served almost 43,000 low-income individuals and families throughout Chicagoland the suburbs last year.

About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services is a human services agency with a mission to strengthen families by providing them with expert guidance and a broad array of programs designed to help them overcome the challenges they face.

With seven community centers located throughout Chicagoland the suburbs, Metropolitan is one of the area’s most established and experienced human services providers. Metropolitan is recognized for the collaborative approach it takes within each of its communities and as a leader in its use of metrics to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs.