L’Arche Chicago is hosting its annual solidarity brunch March 8 to raise money for other L’Arche communities around the world.
L’Arche, founded in 2000, provides over a dozen people experiencing intellectual disabilities with residential homes in Forest Park, Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, and most recently, in Oak Park.
With over 150 L’Arche communities across 37 countries, many need the funds for food, medicine and housing, and the Chicago branch aims to help them with that through the brunch.
“Annually, we aim to raise as much support as we can for these communities that often struggle against the tides of conflict, colonialism and unjust economies,” said Mic Altena, L’Arche Chicago’s executive director and community leader, in a statement. “We’re so grateful to our donors who help bring L’Arche to life in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.”
International L’Arche locations that benefit from the brunch’s proceeds often experience crises that complicate the ability to serve those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
For L’Arche communities in the Philippines, Kenya, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Bethlehem and Ukraine, annual gifts from other chapters are often their primary funding source. Compare that to L’Arche Chicago, which receives government funding and raises close to one-third of its annual budget through fundraising.
This year’s annual brunch will feature presentations from multiple L’Arche Chicago participants and staff who have visited international L’Arche communities. These include Paul Kuczynski, director of residential services; Jay De Man, house coordinator; and Anders G., a core member, or participant.
Brunch attendees will have food options from a full buffet and be able to participate in a raffle and puzzle.
“Our connectedness as a movement extends to even the most fragile of contexts,” Altena added, “where L’Arche communities depend on the generosity of others most of all.”
The L’Arche brunch will be on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Golf Club, 2520 S. Des Plaines Ave. The event costs $75 for adults and $10 for children, and tickets can be purchased at https://larchechicago.org/event/2025-solidarity-brunch/.
Fundraiser for L’Arche renovations
Later next month, L’Arche Chicago is co-hosting a fundraising event with friends and family of Laurence J. Msall, an involved Oak Parker who unexpectedly passed away in 2023. Msall was the longtime president of the Civic Federation, a nonpartisan group focused on government policy and finance.
On March 22, participants will help raise money for renovations at L’Arche Chicago’s Angel House in Chicago, where Msall’s sister Christianne lives. The house needs a back-door ramp, plus an expanded and rehabbed kitchen and first-floor bathroom.
Last year, over 250 participants raised more than $150,000 for L’Arche Chicago at an event to honor Msall.
This year at St. Ignatius College Prep, where Msall attended school, attendees will eat and drink, plus watch NCAA tournament basketball games, play pop-a-shot basketball, participate in raffles and a silent auction – all while supporting L’Arche Chicago and Msall’s family.
“Laurence was an amazingly caring and giving friend who we lost too soon,” said Matt Walsh, co-chair of the Laurence for L’Arche, in a statement. “I speak for the entire committee when I say that we are proud to have known Laurence Msall, and excited to support L’Arche’s mission in honor of our great friend.”
“Laurence’s Legacy of Caring – The Tradition Continues!” will take place at St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 Roosevelt Road, on March 22 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at https://larchechicago.org/event/laurences-legacy-of-caring-the-tradition-continues/.