Unmasking the Truth: Rosecrance Chicago Masquerade for Mental Health & Recovery
Nearly 250 people gathered to spotlight mental health and recovery at the beautiful Chicago History Museum. The special event raised funds for The Rosecrance Foundation to help remove financial barriers to treatment for clients.
Supporters joined together for an evening of celebration and powerful stories of hope at the 2025 Rosecrance Chicago Masquerade Unmasking the Truth event.
Nearly 250 people gathered to spotlight mental health and recovery at the beautiful Chicago History Museum. The special event raised funds for The Rosecrance Foundation to help remove financial barriers to treatment for clients and was organized by the Rosecrance Chicago Regional Board and President’s Leadership Council.
Stephanie Van Vlerah, who chairs the Rosecrance Chicago Regional Board and serves on the Executive and Foundation boards, opened the evening by welcoming guests with gratitude.
“I am so proud to serve on the operating and foundation boards. But I am even more proud of everyone at Rosecrance Behavioral Health, the people who truly change and save lives every day,” she said.
Rosecrance CEO Dr. Dave Gomel shared exciting news about Rosecrance’s growing presence in Chicagoland. In the coming months, new Rosecrance Therapies locations are expected to open, expanding treatment for mental health, substance use, and eating disorders.
“Five years ago, we said Chicago needed and deserved a significant Rosecrance presence—and we would make that happen. Today, it’s working. We are building a community so that every single person who needs help can access convenient, quality care. I am proud to share that we have served thousands of Chicagoans and are in process of opening our 12th Chicagoland location!”
Gomel also highlighted specialized services like the Rosecrance Resilience program serving first responders, frontline workers, and veterans. He was grateful for community support for services and staff.
“I also would like to thank some very special sponsors tonight. I’d like to recognize the Foglia Family Foundation lead sponsor and recipient of the 2024 John J. McDonough Philanthropic Leadership Award.”
The Rosecrance Foundation President Emily Lipinsky thanked supporters and sponsors whose generosity directly impacts the lives of individuals and families seeking recovery, helping Rosecrance expand access to lifesaving care. She then transitioned the evening into the live auction, encouraging guests to bid on exclusive packages or participate in the “fund the mission” paddle raise to further support Rosecrance programs.
Following the auction, she introduced a powerful video story featuring a Rosecrance alum whose journey of recovery served as a centerpiece of the night’s program. The evening ended with music from Chicago favorite Maggie Speaks as guests continued to enjoy food and the masquerade theme, all while advancing Rosecrance’s mission to expand access to lifesaving behavioral healthcare in Chicago and beyond.
A note to our sponsors:
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our incredible sponsors. 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: The Foglia Family Foundation
Changing Lives, Saving Lives Benefactor: In Loving Memory of Heather Snell; Midwestern University
Behavioral Health Benefactors: The Baker Family; BMO Bank; Clayco; Tom Connors and Family; David and Jennifer Gomel; Husch Blackwell; Orput Companies, Inc.; Rockford Separators; Niraj and Kalpana Shah; Stephanie and Ben Van Vlerah; William Blair; Wintrust
Mental Health Advocates: Ben Lazare Consulting; Anne and David Boccignone; Carlene Cardosi and Bruce Campbell; Ben and Kelly Epperson; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Kristin Hamblock and Hamblock Ford; Helm Group; TASC, Inc.; Kim and Brian Thiede; Trilab Health; Michael and Kathleen Vick
James & Fannie Benefactors: Aon; Apploi; CapGrow Partners; Jeffrey and Kimberly DiBenedetto; Dr. Raymond Garcia and Ms. Rachel Hill; Johnson & Johnson; Nancy and Mark Kalchbrenner; Dave and Emily Lipinsky; Amos and Carma Yoder
Patrons: Anonymous; Chicagoland AGC; The Maletzky Family; Cat Zapata
Auction & In-Kind Donors: Best Day Brewing; BMO Bank; Bradford Renaissance Portraits; Carl’s Place; Chicago Architecture Center; Chicago Bulls; DineAmic Hospitality; El Che Steakhouse and Bar; Gruvi; Joffrey Ballet; Live Nation; Maggie Speaks; Midtown Strings; Milk + Honey; Oana Patran – The Joy of Clear Skin; Pretty Cool Ice Cream; PRO GEMS; Red Bull; Ritual Zero Proof; The James Dyson Foundation; The Langham Chicago; The Second City; The Waste Management Phoenix Open; Stephanie and Ben Van Vlerah; Wintrust