dreams come true

Mothers Trust Foundation’s “A Fairytale Ball” gala in late October was a smashing success, making a difference in the lives of low-income children and families in Lake County.

BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER AND SHERRY THOMAS

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) Executive Director Paula Turelli says the Lake Forest-based nonprofit’s first live, in-person fundraiser since the pandemic was every bit of the fairytale the ball was named after.

“It was truly an enchanted evening of fundraising to make wishes come true for low-income children and families in Lake County. Nearly 250 attended and gave with their hearts during a live auction and paddle raise,” says Turelli. “The mission of Mothers Trust Foundation is to provide hope, build confidence, and make a lasting difference in the life of a child through grants for basic needs, education, enrichment opportunities, medical expenses, and stable housing.”

MTF’s “A Fairytale Ball: Making Wishes Come True” at the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens October 29 was a sold-out event. Lake Forest’s Loan Riedel—the organization’s very own fairy godmother—contacted friends from coast to coast to support the gala and they all showed, exceeding expectations. "It has been three years since Mothers Trust Foundation has held an in-person fundraiser and this one topped them all!!” says Turelli, explaining that MTF has impacted more than 2,000 children so far this year.

Riedel has been serving behind-thescenes as an unofficial ambassador of MTF for more than 20 years and involved with many other local philanthropic organizations like Ragdale and Citadel. She knows from experience the awareness and funding a gala like this can bring.

“As you can imagine, this was a huge undertaking for a small charitable organization like Mothers Trust. However, it was an opportunity to raise awareness for our organization and to raise significant funds to fulfill our mission of making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and low-income families. And that we did!” says Riedel, who co-chaired the event with Libertyville’s Lori Dann. “Like a fairytale, the evening was magical, beautiful, and fun. In a sold-out event of 250, guests got insight into the work at Mothers Trust and were very generous in giving during auction and paddle raise.”

Dancing went into the evening for what both Turelli and Riedel say was a night to remember.

Mother’s Trust Foundation’s Director, Paula Turelli, Event chair Loan Riedel, Executive and Board Member Lori Dann. Photography by Ian McLeod