This year 13 will be a lucky number, or at least the Rev. Dennis Blaney, president of Share Foundation's Board of Directors, and Kathleen Kelly, executive director of Share Foundation, are praying it will.

Invitations have been sent out for the 13th annual Share Our Dreams Gala and Silent Auction, slated for 6:30 p.m. to midnight Nov. 2 at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

For a donation of $100 per person, guests will enjoy cocktails, elegant dining, dancing to music by the Tom Milo Big Band and both silent and live auctions featuring a vast array of items. The items will be donated by local individuals and businesses and may include overnight vacation packages, estate items, sporting event tickets, symphony tickets and restaurant dining packages. (And it's such fun being the high bidder!)

The Share Our Dreams Gala is also a great opportunity to entertain family or co-workers. Sponsor tables of 10 guests can be bought in three levels of distinction that include recognition in the program and in the monthly newsletter, Good News, with a current circulation of more than 12,000. Other guests will recognize the business as a supporter of Share Foundation.

All proceeds from the evening benefit Share Foundation, a not-for-profit, privately funded organization dedicated to serving the residential, vocational and social needs of other-abled/mentally handicapped adults. Share Foundation runs Camp Sharing Meadows, a year-round values retreat, and Sharing Meadows, a permanent residential community - both for other-abled adults.

The gala committee is working overtime to make sure this "Lucky 13" gala will be a rousing success. Kudos go out to Honorary Chairmen Chuck and Marcia Forcey, Mary Ann Chevigny, Milford Christenson, Joan Collins, Joyce Choncoff, Judy Gresko, Trish Hayduk, Nancy LoDuca, Fran Merrion, Pat Ricciardi, Carol Ann Surufka and Janet Watson.

Call Alan Wartman at the Share Foundation for reservations at (219) 778-2585 or e-mail awartman@sharefoundation.org. Visa and Master Card will be accepted.

Magic for scholars

The Prairie State College Foundation is accepting reservations for its annual fundraising gala at Olympia Fields Country Club. The event, Scholarship Magic, will be Nov. 9.

The event benefits foundation scholarships, which are awarded to more than 250 students annually.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by the award-winning PSC Jazz Band. A gourmet dinner begins at 8 p.m.

The reservations deadline is Oct. 26 but space is limited. Tickets cost $150, of which $60 is tax-deductible for this black-tie optional gala.

The event features an array of raffles and live and silent auctions. Illusionist Marshall Brodien, Wizzo from the "Bozo Show," will sign copies of his biography.

"Every year this event provides crucial financial help to deserving Prairie State College students, with a great deal of fun as well," said foundation President Cal Bellamy (Krieg DeVault. "Scholarships can make magic happen for students."

Those who can't attend the event can still support the foundation. A variety of deluxe vacations can be purchased at a special "buy it now" price. Trips include a New York/ Broadway theater package, a Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four, a Scotland golf vacation and London visit, a luxury getaway at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Hawaii, and a NASCAR/NEXTEL racing package. Visit www.prairiestate.edu for more information on the vacations and how to bid.

"Donations of gift certificates or other prizes for the silent auction will greatly assist our fundraising," said Chuck Gruberman, special event chairman. "Since hundreds of community and business leaders attend every year, it's a great way for donors to showcase their business."

The need for scholarship assistance continues to grow as the economy and changing job market affects the Chicago Southland. The PSC Foundation Board, composed of 30 area business and community leaders, is dedicated to providing assistance to talented and financially deserving students.

Returning students, downsized workers, single parents and recent high school graduates all have received funds they need to continue their college education through the scholarships. In the past two years, more than $150,000 has been awarded to PSC students.

Auction offerings can be previewed on the college's Web site: www.prairiestate.edu. For more information, call the foundation office at (708) 709-3636.

Special Event Committee members are working hard to make this a success. They are Chairman Chuck Gruberman, Chuck's House of Magic - Homewood; Dottie Bauer, Arnie Bauer Cadillac-Buick-Pontiac-GMC - Matteson; Don Ransford, RANS & Associates - Olympia Fields; Johanna Manasse, Manasse Orthodontics - Matteson; Dr. Anthony Maoloni, Orthodontic Associates - Flossmoor; Martha Kabbes Hesse, Prairie State College - Chicago Heights; Marilyn Kent Tapajna, Suburban Service League - Flossmoor; Patricia Patt, Charter One - Frankfort.