The Castle Award returns during the 2025 Rosecrance Foundation Annual Benefit

A community united for the 2025 ‘Rock N Recovery’ Rosecrance Foundation Annual Benefit, an unforgettable evening dedicated to championing hope and supporting recovery.

The event drew over 600 enthusiastic attendees, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement as supporters came together to make a difference in the lives of those facing mental health and substance use disorders.

The evening featured inspiring stories of resilience and triumph, including a Rosecrance alum who shared their journey of overcoming adversity. Today, while in recovery, they remain committed to giving back to the community through an annual golf event intended to raise awareness about substance use disorders. All proceeds from this event were donated to Rosecrance in 2024 to support individuals when they are ready for treatment.

“During my 17-year tenure, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of people with stories like our alum,” said Carlene Cardosi, President of Clinical Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Rosecrance Behavioral Health. “I can tell you that my best days are still the ones when I get to witness the power of recovery.”

The event featured the presentation of The Castle Award, Rosecrance’s highest honor, to the Gensler Family. Over the past three decades, the relationship between the Gensler Family and Rosecrance has evolved significantly. Initially, they served as a supplier for Rosecrance during the Flower Day events held in the parking lot of Edgebrook. Today, the Gensler Family partners with Rosecrance to host the annual Rosecrance Flower Day at both of its locations, generously donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to support lifesaving treatment for those in need.

“When we were informed we would be honored with this award, we really were taken aback,” said Bill Gensler, who accepted the Castle Award on behalf of the Gensler Family. “We know Rosecrance has some very generous donors, and we are very grateful for everything they do. But we have some things in common. We are proud that Rosecrance started right here in this area. We all know Rosecrance fills huge needs in people’s lives. We all want to help. The Rosecrance Flower Day is our way of doing something.”

For 71 years, individuals wanting to support their community have joined Rosecrance for its annual gala. This special event raises essential funds for Rosecrance so that charitable care can be provided to individuals and families in need.  Attending the annual benefit helps people gain access to evidence-based treatments and a comprehensive range of services for mental health and substance use disorders.

When Dr. Dave Gomel, CEO and President of Rosecrance Behavioral Health, took the stage, his passion was evident. He spoke sincerely about the individuals whose lives are transformed every day by the dedicated staff who embody Rosecrance’s mission. He encouraged everyone in the audience to keep supporting this important cause.

“Throughout the organization, our teams do amazing, lifesaving, God’s work every single day, and I’d like you to pause and think about something,” said Dr. Dave Gomel, CEO of Rosecrance Behavioral Health. “Right now, as we’re at this event, this very moment, hundreds of our team members are working and engaged in lifesaving work. At this moment, we’re helping thousands of people manage their trauma, their substance use, and their mental health conditions. At this exact moment, we’re helping someone get through tonight, because sometimes it truly is one moment at a time.”

A note to our sponsors:

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our incredible sponsors, especially to our institutional sponsors who contribute $5,000 or more. Your generous support makes this event a success and helps the individuals and families we serve. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference—thank you for being part of our journey!

Presenting Sponsor: Foglia Family Foundation

Health & Hope Benefactors: The Beto Family, Kelley Williamson Company

“Life’s Waiting” Benefactors: ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing, John & Kim Griffin, Dan & Kristin Pecora

Changing Lives, Saving Lives Benefactors: The Bergstrom Inc. Charitable Foundation, CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc., Lana & Rick Engen, David & Jennifer Gomel, W. Stephen Minore, M.D./Rockford Anesthesiologists Associated, LLC

Behavioral Health Benefactors: Baker Tilly; The Blazer Foundation; BMO Bank; Canteen Refreshment Services; Joseph & Sharyn Castrogiovanni, Jr.; David & Jennifer Casalena; The Charles DiBenedetto Family; Foresight Bank; FurstStaffing & The Furst Family; Gensler Gardens; Helm Group; Christopher & Sarah Hammes; Illinois Bank & Trust,a division of UMB Bank, n.a.; KeyBank;  Mike & Kathy LaMonica; Meirtran, Inc.; Mercyhealth; In Memory of John & Robbie Mink; Modern Climate; Morrison Management Specialists; Orput Companies, Inc.; OSF HealthCare;  Rockford Separators; Jeff & Shelley Shinn; Sjostrom and Sons, Inc.; Joan Stonecipher; TASC, Inc.; Kim & Brian Thiede, and WilliamsMcCarthy LLP