People struggling to keep a roof over their heads was a definite theme in the Holiday Classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.”
So La Grange-based BEDS Plus, a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness, brought the iconic film to life Saturday at Joe’s Saloon in Brookfield with a viewing of the movie while professional actors reenacted scenes.
“We’re providing housing to people who might not get out of that cycle of poverty,” Erin Molek, development manager at BEDS Plus, said during a break from overseeing the event. “That’s what we’re focusing on tonight, and the Baileys kind of do that themselves.”
Molek said midway through the night that the fundraising was going very well.
More Top Picks Best Eye Masks For Dry Eyes
“It’s fantastic, and it’s probably one of our better turnouts,” she said. “We’ve been trying to have this event on and off through COVID, and now everybody is coming out and it’s such a great celebration of our community and what we’re doing.”
A crowd of about 150 people packed into Joe’s to help raise money for the cause, and Molek said about mid-evening that the event had been exceeding fundraising expectations so far.
“We’re doing very well,” she said. “We have people out selling our raffle tickets and we’re giving out wings tonight. When any donates a certain amount to help a transition family, they get wings.”
(In the film, a prominent theme was the quest for Clarence the Angel to get his wings by saving George Bailey)
If guests gave above a certain amount, BEDS Plus gave them tickets to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” at La Grange Classic Cinemas.
Model T Fords were parked outside next to the sign letting people know that they were now in Bedford Falls. Actors portrayed George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Nick the bartender, and the druggist, Mr. Gower, who’s life was ruined in the alternative universe that was the town without George Bailey.
All proceeds went toward fulfilling BEDS Plus’s mission, which includes providing shelter, help, and support to the homeless or those at risk of being homeless.
The evening was presented by Compassion United Methodist Church and sponsored by La Grange’s Posey Law Group, the La Grange Park Antique Mall, Lyons-Pinner Electric, and Salt Creek Butterfly Farm.
The actors circulated among the crowd, recreating various scenes from the movie. Guest were invited to test their knowledge of the film with trivia questions, and encouraged to dress up as their characters in the movie. Bells were rung and guests joined in singing Auld Lang Syne at the end of the movie.
The raffle was held to raise funds and awareness of BEDS Plus’s mission.
Tina Rounds, CEO of BEDS Plus, wanted people to know there were others in the community that deserved credit for the night.
“There was a group of local real estate agents and brokers who put together this event,” she said, stressing that Molek deserved credit for brainstorming the concept of a night in Bedford Falls.
“Erin Molek, who is an aficionado of the film, and a couple of our donors, including Linda Sokol Francis, a local philanthropist and her son, who is the pastor of Compassion United Methodist Church in Brookfield,” Rounds credited. “So it’s a very community-based event and it sort of developed organically.”
Rounds pointed out that the organization had leased a few motels for clients and purchased property in nearby Summit that houses an 18-bed medical respite facility.
Sergio Rodriguez, mayor of Summit, was in attendance, and he spoke about what it meant for the community.
“I think that the community need resources, so I’m happy to partner with BEDS Plus,” he said. “It’s bringing a first of its kind and resource for those in need in the community and I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews from people who are living there. It’s been a great asset to the community and something that was definitely needed.”
For further information on BEDS Plus, visit its website at beds-plus.org.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.