Report from Jim Kucienski on the November 19th Event
The Village of Northbrook and the Rotary Club of Northbrook had a very successful event this evening. “Illuminate Northbrook“ was a great family event. There was violin music. Special 3-D glasses for children which brought great delight when they looked up at the lights. Popcorn was provided from our fellow Rotarian, Ron Benardi (Sunset Foods). We received about 300 coats. We almost had more coats than we could handle, thankfully we had many club volunteers which made the work go very well.
We even received $120 in cash from two citizens. Our club did very well in demonstrating our charitable efforts.
Hot Chocolate Stroll. Every attending adult and child received a large paper cup of hot chocolate. If you give a coat to “Coat Off Your Back,” you received a special “Illuminate Northbrook - Hot Chocolate Stroll” mug. Very collectable! Because the mugs were new were not washed they received an empty mug including a matching spoon. We could have served more hot chocolate than we had because there was such a great turn out of families. We had four large containers of hot chocolate thanks to Sunset Food, aka, Ron Bernardi. My daughter (Kathryn Ciesla, Village President) told me that the Village wants us back next year. The Village staff and Public Works Department were very helpful and made things better for us.
A little after 6:00 there was a count down and the holiday lights lit up with great applause. About the same time we ran out of hot chocolate. The event ended except for the long popcorn line.
Our volunteer Rotarians made every difference to produce this successful evening. Denis Pollina is the best. He is a self-starter. Others included Kathi Quinn, Debbie Madeley, Rev Court Williams, Gary & Bev Moriello, and Donna Gulley.
Respectfully submitted, I am
Jim Kucienski
Proud member of the Rotary Club of Northbrook and Professional Grandpa
Hot Chocolate Stroll. Every attending adult and child received a large paper cup of hot chocolate. If you give a coat to “Coat Off Your Back,” you received a special “Illuminate Northbrook - Hot Chocolate Stroll” mug. Very collectable! Because the mugs were new were not washed they received an empty mug including a matching spoon. We could have served more hot chocolate than we had because there was such a great turn out of families. We had four large containers of hot chocolate thanks to Sunset Food, aka, Ron Bernardi. My daughter (Kathryn Ciesla, Village President) told me that the Village wants us back next year. The Village staff and Public Works Department were very helpful and made things better for us.
A little after 6:00 there was a count down and the holiday lights lit up with great applause. About the same time we ran out of hot chocolate. The event ended except for the long popcorn line.
Our volunteer Rotarians made every difference to produce this successful evening. Denis Pollina is the best. He is a self-starter. Others included Kathi Quinn, Debbie Madeley, Rev Court Williams, Gary & Bev Moriello, and Donna Gulley.
Respectfully submitted, I am
Jim Kucienski
Proud member of the Rotary Club of Northbrook and Professional Grandpa
Editors Notes:
- Rick Rosenfeld -who is spearheading the World Relief donations of coats was on hand and filled his car! Rick is with the Glenview Rotary Club, and NB Chamber -where this alliance was created. He is working with our COYB Leader, John Cavanaugh to have his volunteers pick up coats and keep the barrels from overflowing!
- Thank you to Village President Ciesla for including Rotary. This created positive exposure for our club. She also included us in the conversation with the media onsite. So stay tuned. They have also invited us back for next year! (We will need more volunteers!)
- Thank you, Jim Kucienski, – for jumping on this opportunity and putting it together so quickly!
