JOLIET, Ill. – The University of St. Francis’ 56th annual Caritas Schol-arship Ball will transform Joliet’s historic Patrick Haley Mansion into a living scene from one of America’s most popular board games: Monopoly.
The event on Jan. 26, 2013, is chaired by alumna Diane and Bill Habiger, of Joliet, and co-chaired by alumna Stephanie and Tyler Qualio, of Shorewood. Caritas is one of the region’s longest-running black-tie events and exists to fund scholarships and programs for USF students.
Monopoly is one of the Habigers’ favorite games, and they chose to create elegant décor for the event, which for the first time will be at the Patrick Haley Mansion rather than the university recreation center.
“It is extremely important that the Caritas Scholarship Ball, which raises funds for students at Joliet’s university remain in Joliet,” said Diane Habiger, who also serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
Before the mid-1980s, the ball was held in a variety of off-site locations.
“So many people in our community have great memories of Caritas in the recreation center, but it was difficult for the campus to shut down the building during the week before Caritas as the gym was transformed into a ballroom. We’re looking forward to this next era of Caritas,” she said.
Caritas will feature gourmet cuisine by the mansion’s culinary team, entertainment by High Society Orchestra, a raffle and an auction of luxury items through the university’s own online auction system.
The raffle will be for a home theater package that includes a Sharp 70-inch TV 3D with Wi-Fi and Audio Source Sound Bar and a Sharp 3D Blu-ray player. The first prize package has been generously provided by long-time Caritas supporter Grants Appliances, Electronics and More.
The raffle’s second and third prizes are surprise “community chests,” valued at least $500 and consisting of a variety of exciting gift items.
The event essentially is sold out with the pre-sale of tables, Bill Habiger said. Limited seating is available and there is a waiting list, he added.
“The support we’ve received from the Caritas committee and community has been amazing,” he said. “Diane and I are particularly pleased to work with our co-chairs Stephanie and Tyler Qualio, who chaired the last event. We’ve also got a great committee. Both past committee members and new committee members are bringing a wealth of community knowledge to the event and a deep commitment to raising funds for scholarships at USF.”
Tickets to the Caritas Scholarship Ball are $275 per person. For sponsorships, to buy tickets, to donate an auction item or for more information, visit www.stfrancis.edu/caritas or call (815) 740-5045.
The University of St. Francis in Joliet serves 3,400 students nationwide, offering 44 undergraduate programs, four degree-completion programs and 14 graduate programs, including a doctorate in nursing practice and education. Programs are offered in arts and science, business, education, nursing and health care and social work.
For information, call (800) 735-7500 or visit [ http://www.stfrancis.edu/ ]www.stfrancis.edu.
