WB_061319

4 | June 13, 2019 | The wilmette beacon NEWS
wilmettebeacon.com
Posted to WilmetteBeaconDaily.com 4 days ago
Inaugural Wilmette Beach
Bash was ‘long time coming’
Alexa Burnell
Freelance Reporter
O P E N H O U S E
Sat, June 15 •11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“Picture Yourself at Chestnut Square!”
• Tour our beautiful selection of 1and 2-BR floor plans.
• Learn about our maintenance-free lifestyle, exciting
calendar of events, full services and amenities, and
“Try Before You Buy” program.
• Meet our friendly residents and staff.
• Delicious refreshments will be served and complimentary
valet parking isavailable for all guests.
2601 Chestnut Ave
Glenview, IL 60026
847-998-1118
chestnutsquare.info
Anon-profit, non-sectarian affiliate of Bethany Methodist Communities
Summer got off to a
swinging start on Saturday,
June 8, when more
than 1,000 people gathered
at the new Gillson Park
beach house during the
Ouilmette Foundation’s
inaugural Beach Bash fundraiser.
The Ouilmette Foundation
is a 501 (c) (3), that
exists to support the park
district with endeavors
that fall outside of the typical
budget. Steve Wilson,
Wilmette Park District executive
director, explained
how the Ouilmette Foundation
Board turned the
idea of a beach bash into a
reality, benefitting the entire
community.
“This beach party is a
long time coming and one
made possible because
of the Ouilmette Foundation,”
Wilson said. “Tonight,
we have the chance
to showcase our new
beach house while hopefully
starting a new tradition
here in Wilmette.”
Over the past several
months, Beach Bash cochairs
Heather Oliver and
John Olvany collaborated
with folks like Lindsay
Thomas, Park District
manager of district operations,
mapping out
the dozens of particulars.
Cheryl Leahy, a Wilmette
mom blogger, also jumped
in to help, handling marketing,
promotions and
decorations.
The event required the
manpower of Park District
professionals who helped
with the logistics. The
Wilmette fire and police
departments were also on
Beachgoers (front row) Veronica Quinn and Brianna
Holmberg, and (back row) Samantha Kirr, Gia
Musacchio, Catherine Carmichael and Phoebe Karabas,
all of Wilmette, enjoy the festivities at the Ouilmette
Foundation’s Beach Bash Saturday, June 8, at Gillson
Park in Wilmette. Rhonda Holcomb/22nd Century Media
deck, ensuring the evening
ran smoothly and safely.
For Oliver, the collaboration
between so many
was inspiring, making her
proud to be part of the initiative.
“It has been my pleasure
to coordinate the team of
other Ouilmette Foundation
board members and
collaborate with the Park
District staff to plan a
community event that will
become a community tradition,”
Oliver said.
During the evening,
guests were treated to nibbles
from Toasty Cheese,
La Cocinta and Best
Truckin’ BBQ. Beverages
were supplied by the Wilmette
Wine Cellar, Temperance,
Casey Tagney
and Cruz Blanca.
Attendees also enjoyed
the chance to let loose with
games like spike ball and
corn hole, before relaxing
by a beach bonfire. Those
interested in dancing the
night away, had the opportunity
to do so, thanks
to two local artists —
Morrissey drummer Matt
Walker, who performed
with his band, Blitz FM,
and Mike Zabrin, Wilmette
Rock House’s studio
manager, performing in
Mike Zabrin’s Funktastic.
Foundation Board President
Suzanne Averill said
she hoped the night reminded
everyone to enjoy
the beauty of the Wilmette
waterfront, while bringing
attention to the Ouilmette
Foundation too.
“We are so excited to
have people out celebrating
with us tonight; we
want to remind everyone
just how special our Wilmette
beaches are,” Averill
said. “Tonight is also a
great way to bring awareness
to the mission of the
Ouilmette Foundation,
teaching guests how funds
from an event like this one,
contribute to the wellness
of our local parks.”
For more information
on the Ouilmette Foundation
or to make a donation,
visit www.ouilmettefoundation.org.