Caritas 2006 to feature exotic richness of old Morocco
The vibrant tones and rich tapestry textures of old Morocco will greet guests attending the 49th annual Caritas Ball at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Moroccan Magic on Jan. 28 will benefit student scholarships at the university.
For the second year, USF will take its Caritas Ball, the oldest formal event in Will County, to an off-campus location. USF’s 525 Caritas guests in Joliet will be joined via Internet-streamed video to guests attending the Caritas – Caring Coast to Coast event at the Players Club and Spa in Naples, Fla.
The exotic theme of Moroccan Magic is the brainchild of Caritas chairmen Jane and Mark Karner of Joliet. "The best part about Caritas is the opportunity to experience an exotic setting in the middle of winter," said Mrs. Karner. "When our guests walk through the doors of USF’s Tower Hall, they’ll forget about the cold outside and begin to believe they’ve traveled to another land, one that is timeless in the appeal of its vibrant colors, rich textures and architecture," she added.
"We’re also pleased to recognize two important sponsors of the event," Mrs. Karner added. "Henry Bros. Co. of Hickory Hills and the University of St. Francis Board of Trustees, each of which contributed $10,000, are the lead sponsors among many generously supporting this year’s event."
Tables are almost sold out for Caritas 2006, noted Karner, but a limited number of tickets are still available. "Our goal is to provide our guests throughout the country with a memorable experience that they will not get anywhere else," he added.
Caritas is also unique in that it features its own online auction that looks and works like the former clipboard bid sheets while allowing guests to place bids from computer terminals throughout the room, noted Karner. "Our focus on technology, such as the Internet video streaming and online auction, showcases the resources of the university as well as provides our guests with a state-of-the art experience that they won’t get elsewhere."
Along with premium auction items, such as state-of-the-art electronics, trips, sports memorabilia, jewelry, events tickets, restaurant packages and other specialty items, Caritas in Joliet will also feature a 50/50 raffle.
Guests at the off-campus location will be welcomed via video streaming by USF President Michael Vinciguerra and the Karners. Off-campus guests will also participate in a silent auction at their site, as well as experience Moroccan Magic décor. "USF has 36,000 alumni across the country, and while some do travel to attend Caritas in Joliet, we want to offer others a chance to participate in this important university event and fund-raiser," said Karner. "We’re looking forward to sharing the excitement of Caritas and Moroccan Magic with alumni and friends of the university in Naples," he said.
Caritas, which means caring, began in 1958 and has raised more than $2.5 million for educational programming and scholarships at the University of St. Francis.
The Joliet event will feature decorations by Dennis Kovar, a university alumnus. Jewell Events Catering of Chicago will cater the event, and dance music will be by The Dan Hayes Orchestra.
Along with chairpersons Mark and Jane Karner of Joliet, the Caritas Committee is comprised of Joseph and Nancy Baltz of Shorewood; George and Donna Barr of Plainfield; Eric and Ruth Bass of Channahon; Nino and Michelle Corsetti of Frankfort; Scott and Debra Crowther of Shorewood; Robert and Deborah Filotto of Joliet; Edward and Cheryl Jarot of Plainfield; Dean and Laura Knowles of Lockport; Robert and Mary Lou Larson of Joliet; Michael and Margaret Manthey of Joliet; James and Diana Missig of Channahon; Alfred and Tammy Paolucci of Shorewood; Tyler and Stephanie Qualio of Joliet; Ron and Janet Romero of Morris and James and Kimberly Roolf of Joliet.
The Naples, Fla. Caritas will be hosted by former Jolietans Roger and Elizabeth LaLonde, a USF alumna.
Caritas tickets are $250 per person for the Joliet event. For more information about the Caritas Ball and silent auction or to purchase tickets, call 815 740-3826 or visit www.stfrancis.edu.
The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves more than 4,100 students at locations throughout the nation. USF offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study and 12 areas of graduate study; many programs are offered online.