Dispatch from Our Bloom in June on Sunday June 5th

This past Sunday, June 5, The Well community gathered together at Carriage Greens Country Club in Darien, Illinois, for the Well’s annual fundraiser, Bloom in June. Since it has been three years since we have been able to hold this event (or any major event) in person, everyone was ecstatic to get together and see each other once more! As they entered the room, people were wowed by the festive decorations put together through the genius of Janet Stauffer and her willing volunteers. The spirit of Sister Marlene Schemmel, CSJ who co-founded The Well and who passed away on May 29^th, radiated in the warm exchanges we enjoyed.

After an hour of socializing and bidding on auction items, our amazing event chair and board member Beth Sennett called everyone together for the Welcome and Special Presentation. The one-hundred-and-thirty-plus of us gathered in the ballroom, along with several dozen who joined over Zoom, listened as Bridget Sperduto, The Well’s Executive Director, framed the evening in The Well’s history and the future we hope for. Guests learned why The Well is so important in peoples’ lives through a testimonial video. They met John and Lenore Gordon, longtime supporters, whose contributions and involvement over many years have enabled The Well to be what it is today. We watched a tribute video to our beloved Marlene, who embodied The Well’s vision of Unity with the Divine, One Another, and all Creation. (Click here to watch a recording of the presentation.)

As we sat down to a delicious family style meal, those of us in the know remembered to save room for dessert: cookies baked by master bakers Pat Borchardt, CSJ and Kathleen Lucas, CSJ. Through the generosity of those in the room and those who bid online, we sold almost all 60 silent auction prizes, all but one of the wine bottles, and all the gift card pulls. People went home with their treasures, but they also went home with hearts full of warm gratitude for everyone present. Many remarked that this was the best yearly fundraising event they had experienced at The Well. Thanks to all who helped make it such a success in so many ways!
(And there is still time to contribute online if you wish to do so.)