Holiday Open House Delivers a Rich Gift To Children’s Memorial

When Cherie Smith Zurek, a RE/MAX agent in Lake Zurich, and Mark Zurek, the owner of Delta Renovations in Barrington, Ill., planned to hold a big holiday open house for family, friends and business associates, they decided to make the party a charitable event, too. So they encouraged their guests to make a donation to Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago.

To give their guests added incentive to be generous, Mark sent out an e-mail promising that the hosts would match every donation dollar for dollar. Approximately 200 guests attended the Dec. 15 party, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and music by a string quartet. Dozens of donations, some for as much as $250, resulted in a $9,450 gift to Children’s Memorial.

“It was ideal weather for a holiday party, with light snow falling all afternoon,” said Smith Zurek, who is affiliated with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest in Lake Zurich. “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests.”

It was her idea to make Children’s Memorial the beneficiary of the event.

“Through their involvement in Children’s Miracle Network, RE/MAX agents here in northern Illinois have become leading supporters of Children’s Memorial Hospital, and I have learned what an outstanding job the hospital does aiding children of all backgrounds, no matter what the financial status of their families,” Smith Zurek said.

“Given that this is a season with special meaning for children, it seemed logical to dedicate our celebration to helping Children’s Memorial. We look at as a way to make a gift to every child who may ever need the services of that wonderful hospital.”