Snowflakes fell from the sky, greeting persons attending the 11th annual ‘Evening With Friends’ gala event held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Elgin Sunday night.
While temperatures dropped outside, the warmth of fellowship and purpose could be felt inside during more than four hours of fellowship.
Persons began arriving shortly after 5 p.m., valets parking their automobiles. Once inside they were greeted by Father Ross Burkhalter, Pope John CC Principal Betty Getzfred and her husband Jim, and various committee members throughout the evening.
Before being seated for dinner, the more than 200 who purchased tickets for the event dined on hors d’oeuvres placed on a round table. They were prepared by Lori Beckman, Jan Heithoff and Sue Henn. Known annually for surprises, this year’s was an edible fruit arrangement made by Elgin’s own Jess Eischeid earlier in the day.
The dining room was decorated in purple and silver, sparkling crystals and snowflakes hanging from bare white trees to coincide with the theme of the evening — Winter Wonderland. On the stage were purple twinkle lights creating a starry night effect. Tables were adorned with silver twig arrangements and an assortment of purple and silver bulbs arranged in glass vases.
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