From the Heart event eclipses $40,000

Eight local agencies to split all proceeds

John Shank
Posted 2/6/17

ROCHELLE — In it's 10th year, the From the Heart event coupled with the Rotary Cash Calendar sales closes in on $370,000 mark.

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From the Heart event eclipses $40,000

Eight local agencies to split all proceeds

Posted

ROCHELLE — More than 190 guests attended Saturday night’s 10th annual From the Heart Gala of Giving dinner and auction in Rochelle and helped raise in excess of $40,000 for eight local community service agencies.
According to event chairman Dave Eckhardt, the Rochelle Rotary Club sponsored event is the top fundraiser for the organization and has now raised nearly $370,000 over the last 10 years.
“We really had another big successful night,” Eckhardt stated on Sunday morning. “Between the auction and our cash calendar sales it looks like we should be at least at $40,000, which which will mean at least $5,000 each for the eight agencies.”
The local non-profit recipients include HOPE of Ogle County, Rochelle Child Care Center, Hub City Senior Center, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, Shining Star, FOCUS House and CASA.
Eckhardt said since the From the Heart gala began in 2008, approximately $370,000 has been raised to help fund non-profit agencies that provide valuable services to a wide variety of area residents.
“Each year the turnout and support we get is amazing,” Eckhardt added. “Corporations, businesses, families, individuals and volunteers all come together to make this fun and rewarding fundraiser happen.”
Following a prime rib dinner in the Stillman Room at the Hickory Grove Civic Center put on by Abraham’s, the action heated up during the live auction with several attendees bidding for sports memorabilia and other fun items.

Cal Jacobs was the top bidder for a signed football by Green Bay Packer star Clay Matthews, while Dave Tess took home two popular items, including a signed Kris Bryant jersey and a signed Super Bowl I photo of Green Bay Packer tight end Max McGee making a touchdown catch.
As the night kicked off earlier, Tess lauded Eckhardt for the work the From the Heart committee has done the past decade.
“This is the guy to thank for helping raise so much money over the last 10 years,” Tess told the audience.

Eckhardt was quick to point out the numerous committee members and volunteers it takes to put together the annual gala.
“Believe me, it’s really all the many people behind the scenes who make this all happen,” Eckhardt added.
After welcoming the guests, Eckhardt acknowledged long-time committee members Chuck Watkins and Karen Hayden, who are both stepping down after this year’s 10th From the Heart event.
“It’s been a lot of fun and rewarding, but after 10 years it’s time to let other people take over maybe with some new ideas,” Hayden said later in the night. “Over the years we have really gotten it down to a pretty good system, so there is a good blue print in place for future committee members.”

Watkins, who has been responsible for garnering and organizing auction items, said he plans to still help bringing in some of the signed sports memorabilia.
“I’ll still help with getting some of those items because I have a good connection, but otherwise it’s time to slow down a bit,” Watkins said.
Other current From the Heart Committee members include Joni Spartz, Eric Christensen and Pat Burch, who put in a lot of hours along with other volunteers from the Rotary Club and the eight fund recipient groups.
Eckhardt said he plans to continue on as chairman of the event as long as it is successful and there is community support.
“We’ve been fortunate to have really dedicated committee members and volunteers over the years,” Eckhardt stated after the event. “When we had the original vision for this annual event, I don’t think we ever thought it would generate these type of dollars each year and sustain itself this long. But now with less state funding for these agencies, this event means more to them than ever and what is great is that all the proceeds we raise goes back to the community.”