Annual Chicago District Branches Sr. Christmas Luncheon

On December 7, 2024, members of the Chicago District Senior Branches and their guests celebrated the annual Senior Branches Christmas Luncheon. Members and guests met at Camelot Banquets in Hickory Hills for a festive afternoon filled with great food, fellowship, and fun. Almost 250 members and guests attended this event including very special guests National FCSLA Life President/CEO Cynthia Maleski,FCSLA National Secretary, Kimberly Graham, and the Honorable Rosemary Macko Wisnosky, Honorary Consul of Slovakia.

The proceedings opened with greetings from Chicago District President Lorraine Gibas who introduced the Honorable Rosemary Macko Wisnosky. Honorary Consul Wisnosky brought greetings to the group and provided an update on the efforts to get a permanent Honorary Consul of Slovakia approved for the Chicagoland area. Following Honorary Consul Wisnosky, FCSLA National Secretary Kimberly Graham was introduced and brought greetings from the Home Office as well as an exciting announcement of a technology development in the works for all members to be able to access their policy information online. Following the National Secretary, Lorraine introduced the FCSLA National President/CEO, Cynthia Maleski. President Maleski brought greetings and an update on the many things accomplished by the organization over the past year. Her perspective on the past and future of the organization was inspirational. She finished by asking the group to join her in singing “Ticha noc”, the familiar “Silent Night” carol in Slovak. Her message and sing-a-long put the group in the mood to enjoy a delicious traditional Slavic lunch. Fr. Dan Brandt from the Chicago Police Chaplain’s Ministry led the group in the prayer before lunch.

The afternoon also provided an opportunity for guests to “take a chance” on 4 tables full of over 120 exciting raffle prizes. In addition to the district purchased prizes, many thanks to branches S287, S180, S421, S046, S258, S225, and S181 for donating raffle prizes. Guests could also purchase a “Share the pot” raffle ticket to benefit Deborah’s Place. Deborah’s Place is located in Chicago and provides housing and support to homeless women and families, and women in need, and was a Chicago District matching funds charity for this event. In total, the District raised over $3000 for Deborah’s Place. Many thanks to all who contributed to this worthwhile Charity and to the Home Office Matching Funds Program.

Many thanks to the District board and branches who helped coordinate this wonderful event, and to the members and guests who attended. We hope to see everyone at this event next year!