Crisp and sunny weather was the perfect backdrop for a cozy holiday-themed brunch and boutique held at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove on November 17. The event raised funds for Catholic Charities Lake County Services, whose programs serve vulnerable individuals and families all year long. Mundelein resident Beth McElroy served on the planning committee.

Over 70 women attended the “Winter Garden Brunch.” They browsed vendors who offered jewelry, clothing, paper goods, holiday décor, skin care, art, handmade desserts, books, purses, and special bed/bath items. After shopping, a sumptuous brunch buffet beckoned with delicious items like mini ham and egg biscuits, salad, banana French toast, fresh fruit, dessert pastries and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

Tickets were $55 per person and included brunch, access to the boutique, and the opportunity to participate in a raffle whose top prize was a $500 gift certificate to the Elysian Hotel in Chicago. Other raffle prizes included a selection of items from boutique vendors.

Catholic Charities Lake County Services Office is located at: 671 S. Lewis, Waukegan. The office serves the communities of: Antioch, Wadsworth, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Ingleside, Fox Lake, Round Lake, Gurnee, Grayslake, Libertyville, North Chicago, Lake Bluff, Mundelein, Wauconda, Island Lake, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highwood, and Highland Park. For more information about Catholic Charities Lake County Services, please call: (847) 782-4000.