ROCKFORD – The Rosecrance Foundation has raised a record $575,000 through the annual Benefit, held April 28 at Giovanni’s and headlined by the country-pop-classic trio, The Texas Tenors.
The sold-out event also featured presentation of The Castle Award, Rosecrance’s pinnacle honor, to Thomas C. Furst in recognition of almost two decades of leadership on Rosecrance boards of directors. Most recently, Furst chaired the Rosecrance Health Network Board for 7 years. He previously chaired the Foundation Board, which he joined in 1997, and has served in virtually every volunteer leadership role for the organization.
Proceeds from the annual event go to the Kinley Charity Care Fund, which provides funds to serve individuals who need financial help in order to get the services they need for mental health and substance use disorders. The Benefit has raised more than $7 million to help families since The Kinley Fund was established in 1984. Last year, a record 377 families received assistance for treatment.
Lisa Lindman, chair of the Rosecrance Foundation Board, expressed gratitude for the generosity of benefactors in the community who support the Benefit.
“We owe the success of this event to our many generous donors who understand the importance of treatment to the wellbeing of families and entire communities,” Lindman said. “The money we raise at the Benefit translates into direct care for our clients who need assistance the most. These are real, concrete, direct services that save lives.”
An annual tradition for the Benefit is presentation of the Castle Award for exemplary commitment by an individual or family to the Rosecrance mission. In presenting the 2014 Castle Award to Furst, Rosecrance President/CEO Philip W. Eaton called him a “transformational leader.”
“He has a unique quality of being able to bring others to the table, and then he educates and motivates them to support a cause,” Eaton said. “We have been fortunate that for almost two decades, Tom has used those rare talents to benefit Rosecrance.”
Capping the evening was a performance by The Texas Tenors, who brought their unique style to entertain the packed room of more than 800 guests.
During the afternoon, before the event, the group performed for teens in treatment for substance abuse at the adolescent campus and answered their questions.