GENERATIONS OF GIVING

From the time Carole Sandner’s children were young, giving back to others was part of their family’s mission.

“I used to visit the post office in Chicago and go through their letters to Santa,” Sandner remembers. “I would just sit there on the floor and read letter after letter about what these children would hope Santa would bring their families. I usually would pick five different families with lots of children and then my kids and I would go and shop for them. Then right before Christmas, our whole family—my husband, the kids, even our babies—would go down to the poorest areas and deliver the gifts. Making these connections is something none of us will ever forget. These families welcomed us into their homes and often thanked us with something they had made. Those Christmases when we could be there all together with these families were the best.”

Getting to know a nonprofit in such a hands-on way is one of the many reasons the Sandner Family aligned itself with Catholic Charities, an organization that serves those in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, or ethnicity.

“Everyone can give back in some simple, humble way,” Sandner says. “What I have always loved about Catholic Charities is that there are so many opportunities for how you can be involved. You can chair a benefit or buy bikes or serve a meal. It’s a wonderful organization to be involved in with your family.”

On Saturday, April 20, the Catholic Charities Women’s Board of Lake County is hosting its signature fundraiser, Art of Caring, at 300 N. Green Bay Road in Lake Forest. It will be an evening featuring cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and dancing to the music of Blue Water Kings. The event is being chaired by the Women’s Board President Carolyn Milligan and long-time board member Heather Kotlarz. Art of Caring raises critical funding for much of the programming Catholic Charities offers to the underserved in Lake County.

“This year, we want to emphasize the power of giving and how we’re inspiring the next generation to get involved and carry on the important work of Catholic Charities,” Milligan says. “We’re so lucky to have the Sanders as part of our community of giving. The need for Catholic Charities is growing in Lake County and it’s important to know that by involving our families in this work, we’ll be able to continue serving those who need our help the most.”

Sandner has chaired Art of Caring in the past with her daughter Angela and her daughter-in-law Kathleen. And today, her granddaughter Kara is often in tow when the family is volunteering.

“You just can’t do enough,” Sandner says. “You want to do more and more and more. And more is never enough. Our best hope is that our kids will continue the work that we’ve all been doing. It’s been one of my biggest joys to give back alongside my family.”

To learn more about the work of the Women’s Board of Catholic Charities or to purchase a ticket or sponsorship for Art of Caring, visit catholiccharities.net/events/art-of-caring.