After a two-year hiatus, 700 Rosecrance supporters gathered for an evening filled with stories of hope and recovery at the 2022 Rosecrance Foundation Annual Benefit at Mercyhealth Sportscore Center in Loves Park.
Emmy and Tony-Award winner Kristin Chenoweth thrilled the crowd with a musical journey through popular show tunes that had many singing along throughout the night.
The benefit also included presentation of The Castle Award, Rosecrance’s pinnacle honor, to Philip W. Eaton, who served as CEO for 38 of his 50 years with the organization. During his tenure, Rosecrance grew from a small home for troubled youth to a nationally recognized behavioral healthcare leader that served nearly 50,000 individuals last year.
“Through Phil’s vision, new services were launched, new locations opened, and barriers were overcome,” said Rosecrance Foundation Rockford board member Lisa Lindman. “We can only imagine the tens of thousands of lives he impacted through his work and leadership. We’re all so grateful for Phil and his work.”
Along with entertainment, The Castle Award, and remarks from Rosecrance leadership, the evening also included a video highlighting ways the organization’s support helped clients find lasting hope in recovery.
President and CEO Dave Gomel, Ph.D., took the opportunity to thank staff and supporters whose efforts helped Rosecrance thrive through the past two years, noting that the organization is on pace to serve a record number of individuals this fiscal year.
“I am so proud of our employees. These incredible team members kept putting themselves in harm’s way to make sure clients received the care they needed,” he said. “To our boards of directors, donors, and friends: Thank you. Your ongoing commitment to supporting this life-saving treatment is commendable and humbling.”
The annual benefit has been a tradition for over six decades and is a key fundraiser for Rosecrance in support of The Rosecrance Kinley Fund, which provides resources for Rosecrance programs and charity care to reduce financial barriers to treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.
To support the Rosecrance mission, visit www.rosecrance.org/give.
