RAISING THE ROOF 2009

With more celebrities than ever,great food,a really funny show and a raffle featuring 10 prizes, "Raising The Roof" lit up Sayre and Wrightwood for the benefit of St.William April 17,18,19.

Five months in the planning and hard work and participation by many made it happen. And this year, it happened against the backdrop of the worst economy patrons and participants had encountered in most of their lifetimes.

Knowing we had this obstacle to overcome, we planned the battle late last fall. Tickets had been $10 throughout the history of this event and in a nod to the tough times, we wanted to cut the price and not in a token manner. Not by a dollar or even two. We cut the price 30% so that folks could pocket something from that ten spot they would normally donate. Then we expanded the entertainment. Where we had done just 2 shows,we added 2 more and we made them all ages shows. This would save sitter money for parents unable to come because of that obligation, and it might lure a new demographic and help us raise more than we might have by confining the performances to just adults. We took the food over in house so we could realize all the profits for St.William and not have to pay a restaurant and the difference,thanks to Carol Konrath and Louise Steppan was no difference at all.The food was as wonderful as it ever has been. Our silent auction donors were more generous than ever. The celebrities who attended were nothing short of first rate and we are all amazed. What a joy that as a result of this event,we got to meet these special people we have only seen and heard on radio and tv.

But in the end, despite our best efforts,the economy did indeed have an effect. Had we not made the changes I just outlined, this could have been a very big disappointment.
But because we did what we did, Raising The Roof will soon be able to give St.William a check in the neighborhood of $3000. Far less than we had hoped,far more than would be the case had we never opened the doors.

Thank you Father Hastings,Father Mike,Mary Bauer, Julie Gorski,Kathy Rudy,Jim Masini and all who made this possible.

It was quite a party.

ROOF OPENING A LOO LOO!

Wow what a first night for Raising The Roof 2009 powered by Fox 32's wonderful,personable and downright cute Nancy Loo!! Nancy had the audience in the palm of her hand as she talked about life in front and behind the camera,telling stories and taking questions before introducing a mini concert led off in fine fashion by Joey Martocci,who put the crowd in a good mood with "Minnie The Moocher." He was followed by John Wozny and Ed Roberson and then Laura. The show went almost flawlessly save for Kate repeating news stories Jeff had just read and the crowd was generous with their applause and laughter.

The hall was filled with great smells around 6 as Carol Konrath and Louise Steppan delivered food every bit as delicious as what RTR has served for many years. Diners were delighted by a wonderful menu atreasonable prices and many raffle tickets were sold.

Following the show,a party until midnight with karaoke and a number of people staying right up til closing.

Nancy Loo was extremely popular with the audience,signing lots of autographs,posing for lots of pictures and shaking many hands.

"Any friend of Jeff's is a friend of mine" she said.
Gosh.

To follow, a hectic Saturday-our first ever with two shows.

THE KICK OFF

Joey Martocci showed some singing and dancing skills as he got the crowd in the mood for a show with his rendition of "Minnie The Moocher" that wowed even his castmates.

CBS 2 ANCHOR ANNE STATE

Anne State ,anchor of the CBS2 10 PM News arrived early and staid late, impressing everyone in the hall with her mega watt smile and sparkling personality. Anne hosted the 8 PM show,staid for the entire evening and raved about how funny the show was. "That's one of the funniest things I've ever seen," she said.

ANNE STATE LOVES ST WILLIAM

Patrons and cast members lined up for autographs and autographed pictures and just to chat with Anne with the show actually being delayed while fans greeted her.

ANNE STATE WITH THE HARLEM NIGHTS PLAYERS

Here's a cast picture taken just after Saturday's show wit Anne in the far right hand corner.

Some take the end of RTR 2009 a little harder than others.

HARRY VOLKMAN WAS INCREDIBLE ON SUNDAY!

One day after turning 83,Harry Volkman took the stage and spoke for a half hour about being involved in Chicago TV..so many great stories and lots of jokes...and Harry took part in our show,spontaneously coming on stage during our weatherman Bob Safely's performance. "I always idolized you," Harry said to Bob Safely.

HARRY VOLKMAN WAS MAGIC

So few broadcast legends remain,and the chilly wet Sunday afternoon spent with Harry Volkman was something to treasure. Mr.Volkman told tales of a life in front of the camera, and insights into life behind it.He spoke of his military service,dealings with Chicago broadcasters like Floyd Kalber,Len O'Connor and Bozo,sang a little,quoted scripture and threw in a bunch of jokes,most of them corny but all of them endearing,clearly enjoying his time on stage. It was something none in attendance will soon forget--listening to this 83 year old media soldier, recalling the glories of battle.

UP TO DATE LIST OF RTR PRIZES

32 INCH HDTV
IPOD
MARIAS DINNERS
TRATTORIA PEPPINO DINNER
CBS2 TOUR
CHICAGO BEARS MONOPOLY
CHICAGO TV LEGEND PACKAGE
ABT ELECTRONICS GIFT CARD
TOM SKILLING HAND DRAWN WEATHER MAP
BOERS AND BERNSTEIN INTERN FOR A DAY
JONATHAN BRANDMEIER PACKAGE
STEVE DAHL PACKAGE
WDRV T SHIRTS
LISE DOMINIQUE VOICE WORK CERTIFS
FAMILY PACK OF GIFT CARDS
EA COMPUTER GAMES INCLUDING NHL 09
OVER NIGHT STAY AT MAYAN WATER PARK

MORE PRIZES TO BE ADDED

RAISING THE ROOF MENU 2009/CAROL KONRATH & LOUISE STEPPAN

Hot Dogs

Beef Sandwiches with sweet and/or hot peppers

Meatball Sandwiches

Pasta and sauce with or without meatballs and

piece of bread Small bags of chips

Pasta Salad

Eli's cheesecake

Baked goods

Coffee