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it happened at the world's fair
“I’m grateful and happy to report that we exceeded all expectations for ourselves and for our guests,” adds Riedel. “We also received numerous donations across the country from friends because they support what we believe in! We also had record number of event sponsors.”
The timing could not be more perfect.
Next year, MTF will celebrate its 25th anniversary of making a difference, one child at a time. This was just the jump start the organization needed.
“There’s a buzz out there on social media about Mothers Trust right now and a lot of interest in getting involved,” says Riedel. “I’m ecstatic! We have accomplished our goals.”
This year’s gala was a fitting tribute to the foundation’s beloved founder Barbara Monsor, who died earlier this year at the age of 99. Monsor founded MTF in 1998 after witnessing firsthand how a seemingly small amount of help can change a child’s life. Her idea was simple—to connect people in desperate situations with those who want to provide assistance where it will truly make a difference.
At its core, Mothers Trust Foundation fills in financial gaps for children from birth to age 21, in turn providing hope, building confidence, and making a positive difference in young people’s lives. “We are very good stewards of the money we receive,” says Turelli. “We take the trust people have in us very seriously.”
To this end, each Wednesday morning at 9:30, a group of Mothers Trust Foundation volunteers and staff gather on a Zoom call and in person in their office at Gorton Community Center to review grant requests and vote on whether or not a grant should be made. Grant requests are submitted to MTF by social workers and school counselors throughout Lake County on behalf of the children they’re representing.
“It’s very important for Mothers Trust Foundation to stick to our guidelines when evaluating grant requests,” Turelli says. “We would love for more people to join our meetings—it’s just one hour each week and Zoom has made it very easy for people to come in and out of those calls as they have time. We discuss each and every grant request we receive to make sure that what we’re doing is within our guidelines and sustainable going forward.”
When a grant is approved, the check is cut within 24-48 hours. Grant requests range from something as small as the fee to go on a school field trip to something as significant as money to cover rent and utilities. MTF also has special rules in their bylaws so that they can issue grants in emergency situations.
According to Mothers Trust Foundation’s reports, of the families served: • Nearly all of the families live at or below the poverty level • 77 percent are single mother or grandparent head of household • 8 percent are homeless • 21 percent have a child or parent who is disabled
Since its inception, Mothers Trust Foundation has assisted more than 43,000 children with nearly $4.4 million in grants.
Monsor was once asked why she decided to call the organization she founded “Mothers Trust.”
“There is a notion of mothering at the heart of what Mothers Trust tries to accomplish,” she once said, herself a mother of six and grandmother to eight. “The name sends a message of affection, responsibility, and accountability. A big part of this in my mind is that you’re always accountable to your mother.”
To learn more about Mothers Trust Foundation, visit motherstrustfoundation.org.
The Joffrey Ballet’s Chicago-themed version of The Nutcracker return to Lyric Opera.
The Joffrey Ballet’s critically-acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to the Lyric Opera House December 3.
Set in Chicago’s World’s Fair in 1893, Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker highlights the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the wonder of the season.
When the Chicago-themed version debuted in 2018, on the 125th anniversary of the Chicago World's Fair, Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashely Wheater said it was one of her proudest moments to create this original interpretation with Wheeldon.
“Now, six years since its debut, the holiday magic of the Joffrey’s version of The Nutcracker is perhaps more poignant than ever, a story of family and adventure,” she says. “But more than anything, it is an homage to a city we cherish so much, and we look forward to celebrating another incomparable holiday season in Chicago once more.”
A ballet in two acts, The Nutcracker opens in Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1892, mere months before the opening of the 1893 World’s Fair—a marvel unlike anything the city has ever seen.
“I have many fond memories of watching The Nutcracker throughout my life, and even now, dozens upon dozens of viewings later,” Greg Cameron, President and CEO, added. “What I love most is that no matter how many times I see it, the spectacle and sheer wonderment still feels new. The Nutcracker has a way of reaching people, and we are most proud and fortunate that the Joffrey’s version continues to be a point of pride and joy for Chicagoans year after year.”
Wheeldon’s American tale relocates Marie and her immigrant family to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and opens as young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the Fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, host a festive Christmas Eve celebration. After a surprise visit from the creator of the Fair, the mysterious Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince through a dreamlike World’s Fair.
The Nutcracker runs through December 27 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in Chicago. Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase online at joffrey. org/nutcracker, by telephone at 312-386-8905, or at Lyric Opera Box Office.
