On Friday, March 5, 2010, TriCity Family Services hosted its 21st Annual Benefit and Auction. The event theme was “Spring Break” this year, offering a beach and party atmosphere for the 177 individuals who attended.

The ballroom at the Eaglebrook Country Club in Geneva was transformed into a sunny beach shore for the evening, where attendees enjoyed extensive silent and live auctions, a split the pot raffle, live D.J. spinning tunes by request, and a “Toss for the Cause” bean bag game.

The event netted just over $41,000, which is under the $50,000 the agency was hoping to raise. Director of Development, Miranda Barfuss says “Our supporters are really increasing their direct donations to TriCity Family Services and cutting back on attending and spending money at fundraising events. We still have lots of fun, raise some good money, and gain new friends and supporters from these events, but they are not the big revenue generators that they used to be.”

The loyal cadre of supporters who attended the “Spring Break” Benefit, along with some new friends of the agency, brought great energy to the room and made generous contributions and purchases to ensure that the four-decade-old agency continues to serve the mental health needs of the community.

The need for TriCity Family Services counseling services on a sliding fee scale are in great demand at this difficult economic time. The agency remains committed to making their programs and services affordable to area residents in need, particularly those uninsured or under-insured individuals and families for whom outpatient mental health services in the private practice sector are out of reach financially. Nearly 90% of all Counseling program fees at TriCity Family Services are based on the sliding scale and more than half of all clients receiving Counseling services pay less than $40 per session. TriCity Family Services continues to ensure that no one is ever denied services on a basis of ability to pay.

The agency would like to thank Presenting Sponsors of the event: Harris Bank, Exelon Nuclear, and Nicor.