Dear ATO Brothers:
I’d like to invite you to the annual Ringside for Mercy’s Sake annual gala on October 19, 2013 at the Chicago Downtown Marriott. For 22 years Ringside has raised critical funds to ensure that Mercy Home for Boys & Girls continues to care for more than 700 of Chicago’s most at-risk youth annually, including 135 boys and girls that live at our two campuses in Chicago. We have about 100 live-in boys at the original campus on West Jackson Blvd and about 35 girls at the old Walgreen’s mansion in my old Beverly neighborhood. As Chairman of Mercy Home Ambassador Board, their mission is one I have gotten to know well and believe strongly in as it provides a nurturing home, opportunity for an excellent fully-funded education, and means for personal growth for kids in need. Mercy Home is 100% privately funded, so events like Ringside are critical for Mercy Home to continue its mission.
Ringside continues to be one of the highlights of the year featuring amateur boxing matches from members of financial exchange companies, a live and silent auction, dinner, dancing and top-shelf open bars. The event this year will also feature a charitable gaming aspect–OK, casino stuff! Ringside is truly one of the most exciting events in the City and I hope you will consider supporting Ringside this year.
Attached please find the event overview. If you are interested in attending please contact myself at my email or cell, 312-953-9959, or Jim Marrese at Mercy Home at jimmar@mercyhome.org and he will arrange details. You can also make donations or sign up for the event on-line at – http://www.mercyhome.org/ringside
I would be delighted to have a few Tau tables, whether its guys and gals or just some Brothers out for an evening of boxing and gambling with great food and easy access open bars (yep, all inclusive). I guarantee a great time and I will make sure all Taus and guests will have VIP Lounge access for pre- & after-party events no matter what level of table or ticket you are purchasing. Thanks again!!
L & R (or VTL as I still like to say!)
Michael J. “Cone” Barrett ’80
mjbarrett926@gmail.com
(312) 953-9959
Note: Mike was a founding member of the men’s auxiliary board known as the Ambassadors of Mercy which today stands at about 28 professional/ business guys who range in age from about 40-late 50’s. He also Chairs this Board and his 2 year reign is ending after this event, which is the Ambassadors’ primary fundraiser. Mercy wanted to create a men’s board to complement the women’s Leadership Council created 10 yrs ago and consists of about 50 women who are really accomplished business women in Chicago. This Ringside event is the signature event. There are 2 things Cone is confident of in this event. First, the money raised here has a huge and immediate impact on these kids– all proceeds go to funding tuition expense for private education for the kids. The second is that the event is a blast– live boxing in the middle of the grand ballroom with this years’ addition of a casino theme. Food & drink is first rate and it is a lively crowd all decked out. Lots of fun whether you bring your significant other or out with the boys for a caveman night out.
Mike is looking to add to the Ambassador’s Board and would love to nominate a Tau. Also, Mercy Home has an Associates Board that is made up of younger professionals….post graduates in the 23 to 35 year range. They focus on more social gatherings and smaller fund raising events or events at the Home that engage the kids. They are a socially active group with cocktail events, etc… They are also always looking for young professionals to join their ranks so if the younger Tau alumni are interested they should contact Mike as well. Lots of ways to get involved!!
Website is : http://www.mercyhome.org/ Contact Mike Barrett at mjbarrett926@gmail.com or (312) 953-9959 if you are interested in getting involved or have questions.