A MOTHER’S INTUITION

Call it a mother’s intuition, but Christine Goshgarian, Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) board member, event chair, and a supporter of MTF for more than 20 years, just knew when they asked her to lead this year’s fundraiser that it was time for something new.

“The Betty Bash had a great run, but I want to do something different this year,” says Goshgarian of MTF’s traditional fundraiser. “I really want to our guests and donors to understand why we do what we do. I’m going old school. After A Seasonal Soirée this year, it’s my hope that people leave fully understanding the mission of Mothers Trust and connected to the community we help.”

Mothers Trust Foundation was founded in 1998 by the late Barbara Monsor after she witnessed firsthand how a seemingly small amount of assistance could change a child’s life. Her idea was simple—to connect people in desperate situations with those who want to provide the assistance that will make a difference.

At its core, MTF—whose offices are located in Lake Forest’s Gorton Center—fills in the financial gaps for children from birth to age 21, in turn providing hope, building confidence, and making a positive impact in young people’s lives.

Each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., a group of MTF volunteers and staff gather to review grant requests and vote on whether or not a grant should be made. Grant requests are submitted to MTF by social workers and school counselors throughout Lake County on behalf of the children they’re representing. When a grant is approved, the check is cut within 24-48 hours. MTF also has special rules in their bylaws so that they can issue grants in emergency situations.

“Sometimes I think people would be shocked at how much need is around us—that we provide assistance throughout all of Lake County,” Goshgarian says. “I love MTF because they step in and fill a need that might get in the way of a child’s success. It could be something as small as money for eyeglasses or as significant as a rent payment for a family.”

A Seasonal Soirée will feature keynote speaker, Lake Forest’s Steve Pemberton, author of A Chance in the World. Pemberton will share what an organization like Mothers Trust would have meant to him as a child who grew up in the foster system. A Seasonal Soirée will be held at Knollwood Country Club on Saturday, November 9. Goshgarian was moved by another nonprofit organization that hosted an event with gorgeous tablescapes, where each table had its own design. She hopes this will fill the room with great excitement and energy.

“Our event will kick off the holiday season this year and I love that,” Goshgarian says. “I envision beautiful tables with one-of-a-kind holiday themed décor that our guests will be able to bid on and take home. It’s a win/win. You help MTF and leave with a gorgeous centerpiece created by a local designer. I’m hoping that our soirée will fill our guests with emotion and inspiration to help others. My wish is that our guests leave thinking about MTF long after it is over. And I want them to come back year after year to help make a difference.”

To buy tickets to A Seasonal Soirée, visit motherstrustfoundation.org.