More than 300 guests attended this past summer’s Cara Summer Social. 2017 marked Cara’s 5th Annual Summer Social and all proceeds benefited Cara’s work to alleviate poverty in Chicago. The event, hosted at the Loews Chicago Hotel, raised a record-breaking $68,000.
The theme of this year’s Summer Social was “A Taste of Gourmet. A Toast to Motivations,” and featured chef stations from some of Chicago’s most popular gourmet restaurants. Attendees enjoyed dishes prepared by chefs from Lobo Ray, Marchesa, Emilio’s Tapas Sol Y Nieve, The Dawson, Nonnina & Piccolo Sogno, Marchesa and Olive Mediterranean Grill.
The event theme reflected on one of Cara’s traditions known as “Motivations.” Motivations include daily circles where Cara participants and community members get together to share personal stories of strength and perseverance. Motivations include group songs and focus questions designed to spark conversations that encourage participants to share thoughts and feelings from their various experiences.
“Motivations” are just one example of the many ways Cara helps empower impoverished individuals to transform their lives. Cara works with individuals facing homelessness, unemployment and poverty, some of whom have criminal records that hinder their ability to easily find employment and reliable housing. Cara’s mission is to help individuals break the cycle of poverty by providing both job and skills training, as well as working with program participants throughout the job placement process and beyond.
Robert Roche 