This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

23rd Annual Blossoms of Hope Brunch

On Sunday, April 27th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Catholic


Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 23rd Annual Blossoms of Hope Brunch to support the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program. Monica Pedersen of NBC's American Dream Builders returns to host the event again this year, which will feature Drury Lane’s famous brunch, a silent auction and a day of celebrating hope. Pedersen, who lost her twin brother to
suicide, will also be receiving the coveted 2014 Charles T. Rubey LOSS Award. Held at Drury Lane of Oakbrook Terrace, this brunch attracts more than 900
guests who will share an afternoon of love, support, strength and unity at this
annual event!

The afternoon will feature a raffle and silent auction with
items ranging from home, garden, kids, and entertainment with all proceeds
going towards the LOSS Program, which provides support services for individuals
and families who have lost a loved one to suicide. Last year’s event raised
more than $90,000 net to support the LOSS Program.


"The Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program has been a part
of my life for many years. After suffering the loss of my twin brother to
suicide, this critical program guided and gave me the strength to move
forward.” said Monica Pedersen. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to
give back." This year, Catholic Charities is honoring Pedersen for her
strength and dedication towards honoring not only her brother’s memory, but of
all the awareness she has given this issue and support of the LOSS Program.


Pedersen is a do-it-yourself turned celebrity designer who has appeared on HGTV programs including Designed to Sell, Bang for Your Buck, Showdown, and HGTV
Dream Home. She is also headlining the new NBC show with fellow celebrity
designer Nate Berkus called American Dream Builders premiering on March 23.
Pedersen has volunteered her time and talents with Catholic Charities’ LOSS
Program for more than 10 years.

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Celebrating 35 years of service, the LOSS Program has been
able to provide support to thousands of families devastated by the loss of a
loved one to suicide. LOSS believes that by respecting and sharing the memories
of those lost to suicide, it can help bring about awareness, and hopefully,
inspire change.


Tickets are priced at $60 per adult, $15 per child or $600
for a table of ten. For more details, please visit
www.catholiccharities.net/lossbrunch or call(312) 948-6797 to reserve your
tickets.

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

About Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS)


LOSS is a non-profit support program of the Catholic
Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet, IL. LOSS
strives to aid grieving family members struggling in the wake of a loved ones’
suicide. LOSS provides its members with education, therapy, group support and
hope for the future. Through LOSS’s efforts, its members can better deal with
their grief through positive coping mechanisms.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?