Please Join Us for a Wine Tasting Event Wed. Oct. 18, 2023!

Wine Tasting Event

CFWC

We are pleased to honor Tom Alves & Bob Burcenski with the 2023 Gratitude Award from the Community Foundation of Will County.

The CFWC Gratitude Award recognizes individuals in Will County who exemplify excellence in their town through their generosity, charitable efforts and support of others.

Enjoy an Evening with Us!

  • Hosted Wine Tasting
  • Light Appetizers/Cash Bar
  • Raffle Baskets
  • Recognition of 2023 CFWC Grantees
  • The presentation of the CFWC Gratitude Award to Tom Alves & Bob Burcenski

Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery
201 West 10th Street
Lockport, IL

Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

$50 per person
RSVP required by Wednesday, October 11th

PURCHASE TICKETS

Questions?

Please reach out to Jackie Siefert at jackie@cfwill.org or 815.201.3700

If you are unavailable to attend the event, but would like to show your support of our honorees and the mission of CFWC, please see our Sponsorship Opportunities.

Gratitude Award Honoree

Tom Alves

Tom Alves was born and raised in Joliet in 1948. He graduated from Lewis University in1970, double majoring in Music and History. Tom taught music for 15 years and was organist at various churches for over twenty years. Tom caught the preservation bug in the early 70’s, working as a “picker” for antiques shops in Chicago. In 1981, Chef Bob and Tom opened Tallgrass restaurant, and then in 1987 they opened the Public Landing Restaurant in the Gaylord Building. When not working, Tom has traveled extensively in Europe attending various wine symposiums and plenty of wine tastings. His wine list is known for the depth and great pricing of his cellar.

Tom Alves

Gratitude Award Honoree

Bob Burcenski

Bob Burcenski was born in Chicago in 1948, and from ten days old was raised in Lockport. Bob earned his B.F.A. in Fine Arts from Northern Illinois University in 1970, and his M.F.A. from Governors State University in 1978. Multitalented Bob was organist at 1st Presbyterian Church for 24 years, taught art for 12 years and been the Chef/Owner of Tallgrass for 42 years. In 1995 Bob received the RichardDriehaus Preservation Award from Landmarks of Illinois for the restoration of Tallgrass, the McDonald Building and the Norton Bldg. all in Lockport’s Historic District.

Currently, he is restoring five acres of old growth Oak trees, Wetlands and forest returning the property to what it was two hundred years ago. When Bob isn’t working on various projects, he can be found painting, playing the piano or throwing pottery. He spends as much time in France as he can. France is the inspiration that has made Bob’s cuisine honored in Chicago, New York and France.

In 1995, Tom and Chef Bob were honored with the Richard Driehaus Preservation Award for restoration of Tallgrass, the McDonald building and the Norton Building. He has been on the Heritage and Architecture Commission and other preservation committees for the city of Lockport for 40 years.

Bob Burcenski

Gratitude Award Wine Tasting

Sponsorship Opportunities

Diamond - $5,000
  • 8 tickets to event.
  • Group acknowledgment (all sponsors) on social media prior to event.
  • Logo/Name featured prominently in event materials and signage.
  • Individual CFWC social media recognition: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.
  • Recognition on website for year following event.
Platinum - $2,500
  • 6 tickets to event.
  • Group acknowledgment (all sponsors) on social media prior to event.
  • Sponsorship featured in event materials and signage.
  • Individual CFWC social media recognition: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.
  • Recognition on website for year following event.
Gold - $1,000
  • 4 tickets to event.
  • Sponsorship featured in event materials and signage.
  • Group acknowledgment (all sponsors) on social media prior to event.
  • Recognition on website for year following event.
Silver- $500
  • 4 tickets to event.
  • Sponsorship featured in event materials and signage.
  • Group acknowledgment (all sponsors) on social media prior to event.
Bronze – Below $500
  • Sponsorship featured on event signage.

Thank you for your support!

Please make checks payable to:
The Community Foundation of Will County.

PLEASE NOTE:
All logos should be sent via e-mail to jackie@cfwill.org by Wednesday, October 4th to ensure inclusion in materials.