Message from the Co-Chairs
Well, another OPAL Gala has been attended and enjoyed. Many people, sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, staff, attendees, and committee members all contributed to the success or failure of such an organizational event. Although the numbers aren’t all in, by attendance and preliminary estimates, the evening was a financial success. For this and a great evening, we must thank this year’s Gala co-chairs, Donna Karpavicius and Dan Salotti.
The Gala is OPALGA’s primary fundraiser. Many other events have a small cost or are free to members. But we plan and host this event with the intention of accumulating funds for the execution of duties and the fulfillment of the organization’s mission.
Feedback from the Gala is always an interesting mix of extremes. “Loved being back at the Elmcrest…it wasn’t the Holiday Inn of Hillside…dinner was great…dinner was awful…glad that we are back to Friday…music was fun to dance to…who does disco anymore? …prime rib was outstanding…the beef was pot roast…” and our favorite, “I guess you have to sleep with a co-chair to get a big award in OPALGA! “ (You have to talk to the OPAL Committee about that one.)
One thing is always consistent. Those of us who have attended more than one of these Galas bring expectations of the evening. We want it to be magical, perfect, and better than the year before. And we know that anyone who contributes to the current year’s evening plans to surpass the previous year’s: co-chairs, number of silent auction items, value of silent auction items, menu, entertainment, auctioneer, number of table captains, number of guests, and the music. We fantasize about the schmoozing, the dinner conversation, winning an auction, smoking outside, and, when the music ends, waiting for the valet to bring the car around when the evening is over. We end up satisfied or disappointed with the actual event. With this comes contentment or tension.
But here’s the thing. When we let all of the expectations fall away, we are left with an evening that we spent with friends, in which we see people whom we may only occasionally see, and in which we honor the Oak Park Area Leadership (OPAL) award recipients and celebrate the organization that we all care enough about to donate our time and money. In the end, we all want what’s best for OPALGA. While we may each contribute in different ways, we share a belief in its mission. For us, that’s enough to make every Gala special. Donna and Dan, you did a great job, and we are indebted to you both for choosing to volunteer for this important and exceptional event.
