Angelica: Dancing With Our Local Stars is the annual fundraiser benefiting the 7 programs of Guardian Angel Community Services (GACS). GACS is proud to be the oldest non-profit in Will County, serving the Chicagoland area for over 117 years. Our mission is to help empower people to improve the quality of their lives. Just this past year, GACS reached more than 58,000 people through our programs: 3,366 through direct service and 54,751 through community outreach, prevention education, trainings and presentations.

At GACS, our 7 unique programs offer an array of services to the community, most of them free of charge:
• Groundwork Domestic Violence Program provides free hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy services to those impacted by domestic violence.
• Suzy’s Caring Place, our transitional housing program, provides housing so that survivors have the time needed to address the economic and emotional consequences of victimization.
• Sexual Assault Service Center provides free hotline, advocacy, and counseling, in addition to extensive prevention education services in the community.
• Partner Abuse Intervention Program helps individuals who have committed acts of domestic violence to learn positive relationship skills, improve communication, and establish new behavior patterns.
• Dillard Harris Educational Center is our school program designed to meet the academic and social needs of students in grades 2-12 who require out of district placement.
• Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect provides prevention services to at-risk families through parenting class education, counseling and in home services.
• Foster Care program provides placement, case management and counseling for children removed from the custody of their parents due to abuse or neglect.

We are asking for a donation in the form of a silent auction or raffle package for our annual fundraiser that will raise money in direct support of the services we provide. Our Gala, known as "Angelica: Dancing With Our Local Stars”, features six prominent local residents who prepare a dance routine with a professional to perform at the event. The event includes red carpet interviews, raffle/silent auction items, dinner, and an award ceremony for “Donor of the Year” and “Volunteer of the Year.”

As a donor, you would gain exposure at what many call the “go to event of the year.” Our event welcomes more than 400 in attendance and is advertised heavily through local and social media including WJOL Radio providing coverage before and during the event, reaching thousands and offering the opportunity for great exposure and advertisement.

Your contribution in support of our event will directly benefit the programs and services we provide. Please do not hesitate to contact Marketing & Communications Specialist, Valerie Pastwa, with any questions at 815-729-0930 ext.1233 or vpastwa@gacsprograms.org. Donations can be mailed to: Guardian Angel Community Services, Attn: Valerie Pastwa. 168 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet IL 60432. For more information please feel free to contact us or visit us on the web at www.gacsprograms.org.