Boys & Girls Club of Joliet 2019 Gala raises over $50,000

The Boys & Girls Club of Joliet had a successful evening of fundraising at their 2019 Annual Gala, held on the evening of March 23 at The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom.

Judy Panozzo, a local real estate broker and current President of the Three Rivers Association of Realtors, was honored with the 2019 Commitment to Youth Award for her dedicated volunteer efforts at the Club and Will County Judge Vincent F. Cornelius was the inaugural inductee into the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet’s newly formed Alumni Hall of Fame. Cornelius grew up attending the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet.

Guests were treated to an open bar, appetizers, a plated dinner, photo booth, dueling pianos, the chance to bid on silent auction items, and a chance to win the grand prize in the annual Pot of Gold liquor raffle, and a special performance by the Joliet Police Pipes & Drums.

The club's new transport van, which was donated by Terry D'Arcy and Will County State's Attorney James W. Glasgow, was available for viewing as guests arrived to the event.

The Boys & Girls Club of Joliet also successfully launched their 2019 Annual Campaign, which was organized by team members from The Community Leadership School through the Joliet Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

By the end of the night, over $50,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet that will go toward the safety and betterment of the at-risk youth that the Club serves.