La Casa Norte More Than Ever Education Scholarship Fund

Announcing    H O L D   T H E   D A T E    for the 5th Annual Education Luncheon by La Casa Norte. A legacy of Gregory L. Maire and Michael A. Horvich which has raised over $150,000 to support educational scholarships and services for youth confronting homelessness. Today there are 25 students enrolled in the program with 10 having earned their degrees!

MTE Education Luncheon Presentations

Michael's Welcome and Toast

Good Afternoon.

My name is Michael Horvich. My husband Gregory Maire and I are the founders of La Casa Norte’s More Than Ever Education Scholarship Fund.

Gregory … my husband of 41 years … lived with Alzheimer’s for 12 years. He died 4 years ago. 

His passing was the catalyst for beginning the Casa Norte Annual Scholarship Luncheon and the More Than Ever Education Scholarship Fund supporting La Casa Norte’s Youth in College Program.

When Gregory and I were a young couple, like probably everyone in this room has done, we talked about what it would be like to win the lottery. We talked about how wonderful it would be to be able to do significant good for others with our winnings. 

We talked about how that might look and we decided that probably the best gift one could offer, would be helping a person, who otherwise might not be able to afford it, to get a college education.

Before we knew it, Gregory and I were old, and we were at the point in our life where we could do significant good for others. We met with La Casa Norte and offered a bequest on our death for a scholarship fund as well as some of Gregory’s insurance money to begin the fund immediately.

Today we are honored to celebrate our quest with La Casa Norte, the students who are part of the Youth In College Program, and everyone here at this luncheon.

I would like to propose a toast using this year's theme: Education, The Key to Success.

To you, our honored guests and supporters of the La Casa Education Scholarship Fund. You are the keys which make the fund work.

To the staff and volunteers of La Casa Norte for the tireless hours you spend in making La Casa Norte’s work the success it is. You help provide the keys which keep the doors open and help provide safe secure housing and many supportive services available every day.

To Jill Meinzer, let her rest in peace, and her family who has created a new spoke in the Education Scholarship Fund Umbrella, which will allow even more students to have access to the keys to success.

To Gregory, who in his own quiet way helped begin the More Than Ever Education Fund with the simple turning the one key by which he lived his life … compassion for self and others.

Some of our Youth in College Program Students and Staff

To our hard-working students in the Youth in College Program who astonish us with their stories, hopes, desires, passions, and hard studies. You hold close the educational keys to your True North.

Finally, we are so pleased to be able to acknowledge and celebrate the first six graduates of the Youth in College Program, please stand when I call your name.

Ricardo Delgado: Bachelors in Education December 2018.

Hasanati Zarif: Associates in Human Sciences, May 2019.

Marcelo Sandoval: Bachelors in Business administration with a minor in Accounting. July 2019.

Marksaysa Lipscomb: Associates in Liberal Arts, August 2019.

Rebecca Poit Givens: Associates in Theater Arts, Spring 2019.

Monique Harvey: Associates in Television Broadcasting, May 2019.

All of these students hold the keys to their aspirations and hopes as they walk proudly into their futures.

Gregory Maire Leadership Award Presentation 

Kenilworth Union Church, Rev. Dr. William A. Evertsberg and MTE Co-Chair Patti Morelle

Gregory Maire, in whose memory the  Annual Education Luncheon was founded, was a leader in his professional field of Architecture and Interior Design. 

The Gregory Maire Leadership Award was created to recognize Chicago Area leaders and organizations in fields which reflect the work of La Casa Norte: Confronting Homelessness, Providing Education Opportunities, Support in Dementia Care, and/or LBGTQ Issues. 

In 2017 the first Gregory Maire Leadership Award went to The North Shore Exchange. The organization runs two resale shops in Chicago suburbs which feature luxury and contemporary women's designer fashions and accessories, as well as stunning furniture and home décor. 

One hundred percent of their proceeds go to support Chicagoland charities providing human services for children and families below the poverty level. 

Thanks to their shoppers, consignors and donors; they have given away $1,500,000 in grants and in-kind giving to well-deserving charities since they opened in 2013. Several of these grants have come to La Casa Norte. A third resale shop will open in June at the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie.

In 2018 the second Gregory Maire Leadership Award was given to The Full Bloomed Lotus Center for Self-Awareness and its founder Ramaa Krishnan. 

The Full Bloomed Lotus has as it mission the integration of the intellectual strengths of the West with the intuitive gifts of the East. By addressing not just the mind, but the body and one’s energy as well, you can release your fears, and realize your dreams. 

The Full Bloomed Lotus Center has supported La Casa Norte financially as well as with “hands on love.” They supported a student new winter coat drive, put together “college student care packages,” provided several meditation experiences for the Youth in College Program, and helped raise funds for the Education Scholarship Fund.

Here to present the third annual award … is my Annual Scholarship Fund Luncheon co-chairperson and friend Patti Morelle. 

MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

HERE'S TO YOU ... A SINCERE THANK YOU FROM THE CASA NORTE MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND (RIP) GREGORY MAIRE!

Because of you ... we raised over $40,000 for our Youth in College at our 4th Annual Scholarship Luncheon!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and those who sent moral support and/or supported us financially as well!

With your support, La Casa Norte is able to continue raising awareness and create opportunities for youth to continue on a path of educational success.

In addition to the educational arm, La Casa Norte's mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. They provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

On behalf of the youth at La Casa Norte, thank you for supporting their education, the key to success.  Just a few of our 25 Youth In College Program Students are pictured below. The others had school and work obligations and couldn't join us. How wonderful does that sound?

Did you miss our Luncheon? You can still support our Youth in College! https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mteeducationfund…

Check out our Luncheon photos!https://www.facebook.com/pg/La-Casa-Norte-230972670104/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10161988119290105

Just a few of our 25 Youth In College Program Students!

Fourth Annual Scholarship Fund Luncheon

Approximately 150 people attended the La Casa Norte Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday, May 15, at the Orrington Hilton in Evanston, Illinois. Pictured below are just a few of the 25 youth enrolled in the Youth in College Program and receiving scholarships. Also pictured staff and donors. Click the link below to see photographs from the event!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/La-Casa-Norte-230972670104/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10161988119290105

Another Successful More Than Ever Education Fund Luncheon

May 8, 2018

Dear Family and Friends,

Applauding you for your financial and/or moral support of the More Than Ever Education Fund in memory of Gregory Maire, as administrated by La Casa Norte, a premier Chicago area not-for-profit supporting youth and families confronting homelessness. 

Approximately 150 people attended the luncheon and we raised over $50,000.00 for the Youth in College Program which currently is supporting 25 students. In the three years since the MTE Education Fund began, we have raised close to $150,000.00.

I wish you could see in person, the faces of these students as they radiate love, joy, self-confidence, and gratitude as they look towards a hopeful future. Thank you so much for being there for us.

If you were planning on making a donation but haven’t gotten around to it yet, please mail your check, made payable to the MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND, to La Casa Norte, 2845 West Mc Lean, Chicago, Illinois 60647.

You can also donate online: CLICK HERE (Opens in a new window)

Again, thank you so much,

Fondly, 

Michael

Pictured below are seven students who entered the personal growth essay contest. Most of the 25 students were able to attend the luncheon, several had exams or student teaching etc. 

La Casa Norte president Howard, guest speaker Eric, executive director Sol, benefactor Michael

Co-chair person Patti, co-chair person Michael, Gregory Maire Leadership Award recipiant Ranaa

Michael's Comments at the MTE Education Fund Luncheon

This is the text of Michael's presentation at the 

Third Annual More Than Ever Education Fund Luncheon 

at the Orrington Hilton in Evanston, Illinois. 

The event was attend by approximately 140 people.

A COUNT DOWN

Good afternoon. I would like to make a brief presentation about how we came to be here today and then propose a toast.

• • •

Each of our lives has a COUNTDOWN CLOCK that we cannot see. It REMINDS us to do “work” that matters.

THIS IS PART OF MY COUNTDOWN. 

SEVENTY THREE years ago, I was born.

FORTY TWO years ago, I met the love of my life, my husband, Gregory Maire.

MANY years ago, as many of you may have done, Gregory and I mused about what we would do if we won the Lottery. 

We decided that we would like to be able to have enough money to do significant GOOD for others. 

That lead to a discussion of what GOOD would look like. 

We decided that helping a young person, who otherwise would be unable to get a college education was probably the best gift one could give.

SIXTEEN years ago La Casa Norte opened its doors and has done AMAZING things. 

FIFTEEN years ago Gregory was diagnosed with Dementia, most likely Alzheimer’s. We lived as well as possible. We learned that the diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.

We renewed our love for each other saying: “I LOVE YOU MORE THAN EVER!” That comment would go on to become the name of this education fund. 

FOUR years ago, the YOUTH IN COLLEGE PROGRAM was begun. 

THREE years ago, I approached Sol to let her know that now that Gregory and I WERE OLD, we WERE able to do significant GOOD for others.

We wanted to make a bequest to La Casa Norte to help provide educational scholarships for their deserving youth.

A little less than THREE years ago, after living with Alzheimer’s for 12 years, Gregory died … and in his memory … with some of his life insurance money … we were able to begin the scholarship fund  NOW with out having to wait for my bequest. 

TWO years ago we witnessed the first ever MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND LUNCHEON presenting 3 students with scholarships.

ONE year ago at the second annual luncheon we presented 15 students with scholarships 

THIS YEAR, 25 students are receiving our support, and we have raised close to $100,000 since the inception of the fund.

You can be more involved if you are able.

The MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND is an UMBRELLA structure. 

Just as the GREGORY MAIRE SCHOLARSHIP FUND has been created  UNDER the umbrella, YOU or a GROUP OF YOU TOGETHER, can support one or more students, by creating and NAMING a scholarship fund in honor or in memory of a loved one, in the name of your organization, or your business.

Ask Sol or me to learn more about this possibility. • • •

I have often said that Gregory was NOT a VICTIM of Alzheimer’s, he was a HERO. 

These students who are part of the YOUTH IN COLLEGE PROGRAM are not VICTIMS either, they are HEROS. . .

… with stories of early difficulties, YES, but more importantly with current stories of success, determination, growing self-confidence, and ambitions for a better future.

And now, please raise your glass in a toast. 

TO LA CASA NORTE for their good works 

TO ALL OF YOU…who have supported the MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND

TO A LONG LIFE for the fund 

TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, 

and … TO GREGORY … who  in many ways has made this all possible.

• • •

GREGORY MAIRE was a LEADER in LIFE as well as in the field of Architecture and Interior Design.

In everything he did, he was motivated by COMPASSION FOR OTHERS... WITH THIS IN MIND, we have created the GREGORY MAIRE LEADERSHIP AWARD.

To present the second annual award is my MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND LUNCHEON co-chairperson and friend Patti Morelle. 

The More Than Ever Education Fund

The More Than Ever Education Fund was founded in memory of Gregory Maire to support youth confronting homelessness get a college education. The third annual fund luncheon will take place at the Orington Hilton in Evanston on Wednesday, May 3, 2018 from 11:30-1:30.

Michael will make a few comments, Sol will talk about the mission of La Casa Norte, the Gregory Maire Leadership Award will be presented, there will be a guest speaker, several students in the Youth in College Program will tell their stories. A delicious lunch will be served.

The ticket price is $100.00 with donations going to the program. If you find you can join us on short notice, please call ahead to La Casa Norte at ‭(773) 276-4900‬ Ex 212 or call Michael if you have his number.

La Casa Norte and More Than Ever Education Fund

Sol,

Good morning. After yesterday’s meeting, I wanted to sit down and form, in writing, my thoughts about the More Than Ever Education Fund/La Casa Norte relationship. 

I could not be any more pleased, think of any better match, know of any other of my relationships to be as strong and meaningful, or be any more supportive of a cause that is such an important one to me.

I wanted to again reaffirm how grateful I am to be part of the La Casa Norte family! And I DO mean family! I always feel so welcome when I arrive at one of the LCN facilities or at a LCN function. I have made many friendships over the years with staff and fellow donors and enjoy them each time I am greeted by a smiling face and a hug. Sol, our friendship continues to grow over time and I look forward to its becoming stronger in professional as well a personal ways. “Let’s go out for Cuban!” Working with Jessica, Angela, Lorena, Emily, Katie, Alejandro, Marco, and so many others is always fun, meaningful, easy, and supportive. 

I so admire the work you have done and do on behalf of LCN and am in awe of the number of families and youth confronting homelessness which your work has touched and the number lives improved you have been part of. I know that it takes a team and that you have not done this alone, but the director of any organization affects each person in that organization and each person who received that organization’s support. Your direction has been done in a way that each person feels more committed, more involved, and more responsible in meeting LCN’s mission as well as giving the families and youth with whom we work a great feeling of success, comfort, security, acceptance, and support !

In many ways you and LCN have made my job easy. While I know I have put a lot of effort into the success of the MTE Education Fund, it also seems like all I have to do is “show up” and wave to the crowd! I certainly could not have done all we have done by myself and knowing that LCN and you and your staff are behind me is very comforting and very gratifying!

Gregory and I have been long time friends of LCN and done much for LCN over the years but our most current efforts (kiddingly) have NOT met our expectations if only because we NEVER expected to be able to do such good for so many so easily so quickly … and, again, while Gregory and I continue to “show up,” you guys work so hard to make it all possible. We are grateful.

I want to reiterate that in whatever ways you see fit to use the funds we have raised, I will agree. I do not profess to be an expert but part of my giving to you and La Casa Norte is making myself available with  my education background, my experience with youth and the kind of work LCN does, and in my “Holy Krap I Can’t Believe I’m 72 Years Old” wisdom as well as “Hohoho, have a candy cane!" I am grateful to be part of the “Youth in College” program and "More Than Ever Education Fund" resource team. I find my creative self, my educational self, and my personal self stimulated because of being a part of the time and it gives me purpose in my life.

Just one minor apology, “Willy Nilly” was a totally inaccurate term to use. And I again want to make sure you correct it to read, “A work in progress,” “Fine tuning,”  “Thinking on one’s feet,” “Running to keep up with the need,” etc. I have already learned so much from you and look forward to learning more about this thing called “Charitable Organization” and "Fund Raising!” 

I look forward to many years of close collaboration before we have to begin giving out the Michael A. Horvich Scholarship Fund and/or the Michael A. Horvich Leadership Award! I look forward to the “ship coming in” and seeing what good we can do with that!

Fondly as well as with love,

Michael (and Gregory)

The MTE EdFUND Second Annual Luncheon

Whether you were able to support the MTE EdFUND in memory of Gregory Maire with a monetary donation or with your well wishes, I wanted to thank you and update you on the successful Second Annual Luncheon. Looking forward to your joining us in May of 2018!
Fondly,
Michael Horvich

Thank you for making our 2nd Annual "More Than Ever" Education Luncheon a Success!

We raised over $44,000 for scholarships!

With your support, La Casa Norte is able to continue raising awareness and create opportunities for youth to continue on a path of educational success.

A special thank you to this year's honoree, North Shore Exchange and keynote speaker, Carmita Semaan, as well as "More Than Ever" Fund Co-Founder, Michael Horvich.

On behalf of everyone at La Casa Norte, we thank you for your partnership and for investing in the future of homeless college students.

Click here if you were unable to attend and still want to support us:

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mteeducationfund…

Click here to view more photos from the Luncheon:

https://www.facebook.com/…/La-Casa-Norte-230972670…/photos/…

Thank You to Our 2017 Luncheon Sponsors: North Shore Exchange, The Maire & Horvich Families, Vivid Art Gallery, First Bank & Trust of Evanston, Surge Institute, Car Outlet, and Ernst & Young.

Please note our temporary location!
2845 W. McLean Avenue | Chicago, IL 60647
P: 773-276-4900 | www.lacasanorte.org

La Casa Norte's mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

MTE EdFUND Photos ETC

As promised, here are photos from the luncheon. Pleased to announce that the final figure in as raised for College Scholarships for our young people amounted to $44,000!

Click here for MTE EdFUND Luncheon Photos

MTE EdFUND Luncheon May 3, 2017

The second annual was a success! Approximately 125 people attended, the keynote by Carmita Semann was stellar, three scholarship recipients shared the story of their coming out of homelessness to finding independence and are proud of their excellent grades in college thanks to La Casa Norte and The More Than Ever Education Fund. 

Michael spoke briefly and then presented the North Shore Exchange with the first annual Gregory Maire Leadership Award. Following is the text of Michael's presentation including a 3-minute video of Michael and Gregory discussing the MTE EdFUND. Photos will be posted at a future date.

MTE EdFUND Luncheon- Wednesday 5/3/16

😀

Howard, Members of the Board, Sol, Staff and Volunteers of La Casa Norte … all of the young people here today … Family, Friends, Colleagues.

I want to share my comments with you today by COUNTING just a few of the ways I am GRATEFUL to La Casa Norte … and GRATEFUL to you!

😀 NUMBER ONE 

Last year, at the inaugural MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND Luncheon in May 2016, we raised over $59,000 … and presented 3 scholarship awards. 

Last December at our first annual holiday cohort celebration - we saw 6 more scholarship awards given, laptop computers gifted, and free housing contracts signed - bringing the number of student participants to 9. 

😀 NUMBER TWO

I am OVERJOYED to be standing here before you again … a quick year later … at the SECOND ANNUAL  MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND Luncheon. 

Today will find a total of 15 deserving students with scholarship awards and more, AND we couldn’t be more proud of these young people, who you will get to meet later.

😀 NUMBER THREE

As a brief recap … twelve years ago … during the 29th year of Gregory’s and my … 41-year relationship … we received the diagnosis of Gregory’s having Dementia, most likely Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Knowing that the road ahead would be a difficult one, we recommitted our love to each other saying, “I  love you … NOW … MORE THAN EVER.” Thus the name of this fund …

😀 NUMBER FOUR

Much like people talk about what they would do if they won the lottery …  MANY YEARS ago, when Gregory and I were YOUNG …we talked about wishing we were able to help others in a significant way. 

We talked about how this would look and decided that probably the best way to help was through supporting young people who were seeking to better themselves through an education … but who could not afford to do so.

Shortly before he died, when Gregory and I re-visited our finances and investments, we realized that NOW THAT WE WERE OLD, we WERE in the position of doing good for others, to pay forward our own good fortune.

Gregory and I have been involved with La Casa Norte … about to celebrate its 15th anniversary of doing good works … almost since its inception. With one call to Sol Flores, Executive Director of La Casa Norte, the MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND was born.

😀 NUMBER FIVE

Let's watch this three-minute video which documents a conversation about the fund, which I had with Gregory approximately six months before he died. You may notice that it is oversimplified, but at the time, that was the best Gregory was able to do.

Wow, a hard act to follow! 

Back to counting how grateful I am …

😀 NUMBER SIX

The fund we are here to celebrate today is described as “established by Gregory L. Maire and Michael A. Horvich.” 

Over time the Gregory Maire Scholarship Fund will be ONLY ONE of MANY funds under this umbrella. 

When I leave this world, you will see a second, the Michael Horvich Scholarship Fund.

With support FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU and support from the business, religious, education, and social services communities … there will be MANY funds under this amazing umbrella legacy whose DEEDS will speak to the great potential available to La Casa Norte in providing educational opportunities to deserving young people. 

I invite YOU … TO JOIN US under the MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION PROGRAM UMBRELLA - by establishing and naming a fund of your own! 

Speak with Sol or me to find out how you might go about this.

😀 And last in my list of counting gratitudes, NUMBER SEVEN

Please raise your glass and join me in a TOAST.

1) …TO ALL OF YOU … who have supported today’s second annual celebration of the MORE THAN EVER EDUCATION FUND

2) …TO A LONG LIFE for the fund for many years to come and it's ability to provide educational opportunities to young people confronting homelessness 

3)… TO LA CASA NORTE for all their good works 

4) … TO the  YOUNG PEOPLE here today and those who will be joining this adventure in the future … taking our support and love with them … as they study hard and met success in their endeavors

 … and lastly 

5) … TO GREGORY … Who in many ways has made this all possible. 

Thank you so much for being here today and for your support.

😀

Next, it is my pleasure and honor to present the FIRST ANNUAL Gregory Maire Leadership Award. In addition to the scholarship fund, this award is also part of his legacy to the future and is presented to others who, like himself, have led the way for change and opportunity. 

I can think of NO BETTER RECIPIENT of the Gregory Maire Leadership Award … than … NORTH SHORE EXCHANGE. 

Many of you may know of North Shore Exchange, in fact, you may have shopped there. The North Shore Exchange is Glencoe's nonprofit resale boutique offering an edited collection of upscale and luxury designer women's clothing and accessories, as well as beautiful furniture and home décor. 

What you may not know is that ALL of their profits support organizations providing human services for children and families. 

Since opening in March 2013, they have given away $700,000 in funds to well-deserving charities. 

La Casa Norte was an early recipient of North Shore Exchange’s generosity and has continued to receive grants from them over the years to support our programming. 

Last year, North Shore Exchange deepened their commitment to La Casa Norte by increasing their support to help expand the Youth in College program, the very program that works with the MORE THAN EVER scholarship recipients. 

We are deeply grateful for the partnership we have in North Shore Exchange. 

It is my honor to present the 2017 Gregory Maire Leadership award to North Shore Exchange Board President, Wendy Serrino and North Shore Exchange Philanthropy Chair Scott Javore.