Community Corner

Attorney Raises Money for Homeless Families

Matt Sheahin raises money for upcoming Catholic Charities event to benefit families in need.

By day, Matthew Sheahin works as an attorney for , in Palatine. But in his spare time, Sheahin is rounding up donations and sponsorships for the Catholic Charities’ Hearts for Homeless Families “8th Wonder of the World” event in Barrington Hills on Saturday, April 28.

Sheahin was appointed to the Northwest Regional Advisory Board of Catholic Charities last year. “Our firm does a lot of charitable work,” said Sheahin.

Sheahin said he wanted to get involved with an organization that meant something to him. “I was raised Catholic, and my kids are, too. I thought this was a good way to get back to my roots.”

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Since Sheahin became a board member of the organization, he has helped sponsor dinners in Des Plaines for the homeless. “We’ve seen more than 100 people each time,” he said. “For Halloween, we handed out bags of candy to the kids. I’ve seen the impact firsthand.”

Catholic Charities also works to help homeless families find permanent housing. “We have relationships with landlords and apartments, and we offer job and financial training,” Sheahin said. “We work to help people get back on their feet. That’s the heart of our mission.”

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Sheahin is chairing the solicitation committee for the 8th Wonder of the World event, which takes place at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills. Guests can tour the estate and view items such as the world’s largest theater organ and an 1881 Grant Steam locomotive.

Sheahin is working to collect corporate and individual sponsorships for the event. He also acquired auction items such as a golf outing for four and tickets to a Cubs game.

Bob Lindeman, chairman of Catholic Charities’ Northwest Advisory Board, is impressed with Sheahin’s results. “He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Lindeman said of Sheahin. “He’s literally doubled the value and number of donations that we received last year.”

As chairman of the committee, Sheahin keeps everyone on the committee motivated. “I check up with everyone and encourage them,” he said. “I help them come up with different ideas and suggestions for other people they can try to connect with.”

Lindeman, who has attended 18 of the last 20 “8th Wonder of the World” fundraisers, admits that Sheahin’s mission to raise money is not an easy one.

“These are people who are volunteering off business hours, on nights and weekends,” he said. “Sheahin just joined [the board] last year, and he took a leadership position right away. I really appreciate him stepping up to the plate.”

While Sheahin and the committee for the event have seen an increase in sponsorships and donations, ticket sales are down from last year. “I think due to the economy, fewer people are buying tickets,” Sheahin said. “But we’re still expecting a great turnout.”

Tickets include a tour of the Sanfilippo Estate as well as hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, dessert and auctions emceed by WGN's Gary Meier. Individual tickets cost $175 and a full table for 10 costs $1,650. For more information, visit https://www.catholiccharities.net/registrations/event/hearts-2012.


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