MOUNTAIN OF OPPORTUNITY

“The children at Allendale, on average, experience 14 different living arrangements before they find their way to the residential program at Allendale,” says Lake Forest’s Cassie Mancuso Carver. “They experience so much trauma and instability, how can someone not be driven to help?”

Allendale Association is a nonprofit child welfare agency based in Lake Villa, dedicated to excellence and innovation in the care, education, treatment, and advocacy for disadvantaged youth and their families. It’s more than a safe haven from a life of crisis, trauma, and neglect. The school strives to empower each child to transcend their circumstances with positive support and consistent, ongoing guidance. Allendale gives these children the transformative experience of simply being kids in a safe environment—the chance to make friends, play, explore, have an adventure, and make their own happy childhood memories.

“We believe everyone deserves a healthy childhood, a caring family, and a chance to learn, grow and change course,” explains Allendale Association President and CEO Jason Keeler. “Allendale is a place where kids have the opportunity to restore their life and discover a better future.”

Carver, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer for her family’s business Ferrari Lake Forest, is a relatively new member of the Allendale Women’s Board—newly renamed from the 118-year-old organization that was once called the Allendale Shelter Club.

She is co-chairing an exciting new fundraiser for Allendale called “Après Ski-Aspen” with Claire Concannon, Karen Anderson, Samantha Trace, Whitley Bouma Herbert, and Meredith Mitchell. The event will take place on February 22 at Conway Farms Golf Club. The indoor/outdoor party will bring the beloved postski celebration to Lake Forest with specialty cocktails and champagne, fire pits, and VIP yurts paired with a menu designed by famed chef Paul Kahan of One Off Hospitality.

“When I heard about Allendale, I was heartbroken and hopeful at the same time,” Carver says. “I’m really excited to be a part of a group that is making a difference in the lives of these children. I met a child at Allendale who is the same age as my youngest daughter and it really resonated with me. I am lucky to be in a position to help the children of Illinois who are most in need.”

“Après Ski–Aspen” will channel the action on and off the slopes that takes place after an epic day of skiing. This will include revelry in Aspen-inspired attire, dancing with glasses raised to the beats of deejay Sleepy Eagz, VIP champagne service, and incredible cuisine to keep the party going. “Après Ski–Aspen” is being supported by many of Aspen, Colorado’s favorite luxury brands with trips being auctioned to Mexico’s Hotel Esencia and more.

“I have a background in fundraising,” Carver says. “I don’t care if you’re raising $10,000 or $10 million, fundraising is challenging. It’s especially hard the night of an event. Our push as co-chairs is to raise 90 percent of our goal before the event. Then that night, our party can be more a celebration of hard work and a thank you to our supporters as we build more awareness for Allendale.”

The Allendale Women’s Board takes pride in offering a “mother’s touch” to the lives of the kids in Allendale’s care with a Christmas holiday party with gifts delivered by Santa Claus, brunch enjoyed on Christmas morning, graduation celebrations, career counseling, and a “School’s Out!” Spring Carnival at the Lake Villa campus.

“Allendale believes in every kid until they can believe in themselves.” explains Allendale Women’s Board President Karen Anderson.

Carver’s three children are a huge motivation for her commitment to help some of Illinois’ neediest children.

“There is no better way to show my children the importance of giving back than being involved with an organization like Allendale,” she says, explaining that they have taken an active role in Allendale’s new Youth Board as well. “If you’re in a position to help, you have an obligation to help. When I told my father about Allendale, his first words were ‘We’re in!’ I’m able to help because of the support of my family and our business. This really is families helping families.”

To learn more about Allendale Association, visit allendale4kids.org. Follow Allendale Women’s Board on Instagram at @allendalewomensboard.