Community Support Services acknowledges and thanks our “stars” donors and volunteers who attended Night of a Thousand Stars: Food for Thought on Friday, April 16, at The Community House, Hinsdale. CSS is a Brookfield-based nonprofit that serves more than 600 suburban-area residents living with developmental disabilities. The funds raised will assist in making up state-funding gaps for critical programs that strengthen our clients’ independence, self-esteem and ability to participate in and contribute to community life.
Our chef host, Carrie Nahabedian, and her cousin Michael, co-owner of the famous NAHA Restaurant in Chicago, led the line-up of local restaurant donors: Chew Chew of Riverside; Nicksons Eatery, Q-BBQ, Kama Indian Bistro, Pastries So Tasty and LaBelle Catering, of LaGrange; Café Salsa of Countryside; Chicago Burgerwurks, Off Broadway, and Alex and Aldo’s of Brookfield, and Vie of Western Springs.
Guests on the red carpet dodged paparazzi, and were greeted by CSS President and CEO Gaye Preston, and LaGrange Park resident and extraordinary volunteer, Sharon Flaim, event chair and master of ceremonies. Many other community members gave generously of their time and talents on the Stars Committee. All enjoyed a delicious array of foods, a silent auction featuring fabulous trips and prizes, and piano accompaniment by Charlie Carpenter, a CSS participant. Local vendors sold gourmet and specialty candies, cookware, jewelry and house wares, and guests were photographed with life-size cut-outs of Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis.
Our own So You Think You Can Cook? Cookbook – featuring recipes from our volunteers, staff and participants – can be purchased at our office for $15. Proceeds support our weekly cooking class in which individuals with developmental disabilities plan, prepare and share delicious and healthy meals. Donations also support our home-based care, employment assistance, independent-living skills and other individualized services. For more information about CSS, go to www.communitysupportservices.org.
Kathy Schiffman
Community Support Services, Brookfield
