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Community Corner

This Lake Forest 'After' Party Makes Large Impact on Those Less Fortunate

Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gorton is site where families unite to make a difference .

 

Seventeen years ago, Lake Forest resident John Walker opened up his home to his friends and family so that they could warm up after the

Many of those friends were alumni, including Shannon Bradley.

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“We all grew up in and there were so many people in an out of John’s home throughout the evening. Someone said that we could really do something really good out of a gathering this big,” recalled Bradley.

So they did.

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After much discussion and exchanging of ideas, they all agreed that the following year they would have a party after the Tree Lighting ceremony.

Price of admission? Each guest had to bring a toy to donate to A Safe Place, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.  

“We didn’t know what the turnout would be, but it’s grown exponentially throughout the years,” said Bradley.

Growth Causes Change in Venue

The guest list grew so large that seven years ago, they moved the gathering to the , just down the street from the East Lake Forest train station and Market Square.

“Last year we had well over 350 people attend the party,” said Bradley.

This year’s is back at Gorton again after the tree lighting and again benefits A Safe Place, and guests have been asked to bring unwrapped toys or gifts for children, ages infant to teenager and/or an unwrapped gift for the mothers of these children. In addition, guests can bring unwanted books to be donated to Bernie’s Book Bank.

The increase in partygoers also inspired them to conduct a raffle to raise more money. This year they will auction off a condo in Vail, Chicago Cubs tickets and gift baskets. They also rely on local businesses to help and are grateful to , Big Ed’s BBQ in North Chicago, Donati’s Pizza in Lake Forest, and the for their support.

Each year the party gets bigger and better. This year the group is excited to donate to another organization, , a new shelter for domestic violence victims in Lake County.

“One of our friends who is involved in the party, Denise Murphy, is very involved with House of Peace, she helped build the shelter, so we will donate to them as well,” said Walker.

Athletes Take Action

Murphy, who is also the girls’ tennis coach at Lake Forest High School, has joined forces with Walker, coach of the Lake Forest Youth Harrier Rugby Club, to involve their athletes in service work.

“I was looking for something for my rugby players to get involved with and Denise wanted her team to do something that involved service, so we created Athletes in Action,” said Walker.

The athletes will join forces to sell raffle tickets and help set up and clean up the party.

Paying Forward

The party that was once a way for guests to warm their hands and feet has turned into a heartwarming event that allows Lake Forest families to share their good fortune with those in need.

“After the party, we load 4 or 5 cars with toys, money, and gift cards so that the moms can buy things for themselves,” Walker said. “This wouldn’t exist without the 11 other families who think this is worthwhile, and because of the wonderful friends and people involved with this, we’ve kept it going.”

“Just about every one of us has children who are a part of the party. It’s a nice reminder to them to think about others,” added Bradley.

The families include: the Bradley’s, the Jacobs, the Karnicki’s, the Moccia’s, the Martin’s, the McKeon’s, the Newtown’s and the Nolan’s.

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