Housing Options for the Mentally Ill in Evanston held its annual fundraising benefit, “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” on March 25 at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N Ravenswood in Chicago. The event raised more than $60,000 to provide affordable, supportive housing and mental health services to adults in the community recovering from chronic mental illnesses.
More then 175 people enjoyed a cocktail reception with gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Hummingbird Kitchen, Evanston’s first food truck. The food truck was parked in the artifact-strewn courtyard, where guests could sample a trio of burgers, spicy French fries and salads. Argentinean wine served by WineStyles Evanston complemented the Argentinean décor. While guests ate and browsed silent-auction offerings, the sound of live jazz from the Rajiv Halim Quartet filtered through the crowd.
LeeAnn Turner hosted the evening’s speeches, including a welcome from board president Deborah Tabor and a presentation by executive director Debbie Bretag on the successes of the organization in the past year. Afterwards guests could explore the store’s extensive collection of antiques and home décor.
Housing Options encourages independent living and each year offers a safe and dignified alternative to homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization for more than 80 adults recovering from chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression.