On April 6th 2025 Salem United Methodist Church, St Anne Catholic Church and the Peter Wulff Center hosted a dinner for over 100 members of the community. 100% of the funds raised at the "Bridge of Hope" dinner are to benefit Chicagoland migrants/asylum seekers who need help with shelter, household furnishings, rental and legal assistance. Since October 2023, Barrington area community has come together to generously donate tents, sleeping bags, furniture, clothes, shoes, food, kitchen utensils, time and labor to help families in need. Following the teachings of Christ, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me " the mission committees of both churches adheres to these principals.

The Guest Speaker was Andre Gordillo (Sr. Director of the New Vecinos (New Neighbors) Program) off New Life Centers of Chicagoland Since May 2023 New Vecinos has successfully transitioned over 5,000 families from city-run shelters to apartments furnishing their homes and connecting them to essential community resources. Andre’s talk helped raise understanding of what hardships new migrants/refugees undertake as they build a new life and what we can do to help.

Other stars of the dinner were the youth and adult volunteers who made this home cooked meal possible bringing together a wide range of community members from diverse walks of life. Youth Volunteers from Barrington High School John Dever, Griffin and Trevor Jopp and Barrington Middle School Aiden Fallon, Jack Weed and Krish Nara were a class act as they moved and set tables, welcomed the crowds, served, cleaned up and performed a host of other duties to make the night successful. The work was done with much care, enthusiasm and grace as they interacted with the guests, followed instructions and joyfully executed their jobs. According to many scientific studies service learning has a high impact for student success.

Adult volunteers in the community are a strong force in advancing the depth and scope of service learning by being role models for young students. Their dedication and enthusiasm is infectious and so often children return to work on future projects adding their creativity and initiative. " We are constantly thinking of the next project" said 12 year old Ethan Gagliano. 10 year old Jack Weed brought his friend and talented cello player Aiden Fallon to entertain the crowds and Johnny Dever had his friends Trevor and Griffin join him. Their hours, months and years of repeated service projects qualifies them for the prestigious "https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/" Presidential Awards from the White House.

Another impressive feature of the service learning program was the engagement of 2 youth volunteers after 15 to 20 years who returned as adults to serve and be involved as team members. Johnny Kneisel an accountant now served at the dessert table and Christopher Majkowski a software developer will match his generous donation from his company SS and C EZE Technology.
The team is grateful for the salad, chickens and vegetables donated by the Village Fresh Market. With the gourmet home cooked middle eastern meal prepared by Zein Bertacchi the dinner was delicious and many guests personally raved about the meal to Zein after dinner. The youth volunteers touched many hearts in the audience when they presented Zein with flowers at the end of the meal. One act of service multiplies into many acts and the benefits flow in unique ways into many areas of the community. The team of volunteers remain friends for the last 20 years and their achievements have won many awards for their service that benefitted a wide range of local and global charities.
For his years of "outstanding service" 16 year old John Dever qualified to be a delegate from Barrington High School to attend the UN Youth Assembly in New York this August. Johnny will join 300 other outstanding youth volunteers from other parts of the world as they share their knowledge and ideas and train to become global leaders.
Generous donors and attendees of the Bridge of Hope dinner raised over $30,000 to support migrants/asylum seekers during these challenging times.
For help with this mission please contact St Anne's Catholic Church Migrant Ministry at saintannemigrantministry@gmail.com
or Salem United Methodist Church Mission Team in Barrington IL.

The Peter Wulff Center announces its Presidential Youth Volunteer Award winners John Dever, Jack Weed, Krish Nara and Sophia Genega who transform ordinary projects into community engaging ventures that bring hope and resources to those in need and an atmosphere of deep cultural, economic, cultural learning into a community. They are leaders for project Bridge of Hope that seeks to raise funds for migrants and refugees. In addition to raising funds through a dinner hosted for 100 people they have helped to collect furniture, clothes, utensils and shoes for these people.

16 year old John Dever was nominated to represent the Peter Wulff Center as a delegate to the Youth United Nations Assembly in New York this summer. He was nominated on the basis of his humanitarian contributions over the last year as well as this project.

For the last 10 years the Barrington community has sponsored a Christmas lunch for ex prisoners and their families in Chicago. The lunch includes a meal as well as toys and used winter clothing for the families. Youth who have lead this fundraising venture have been dedicated and enthusiastic and inspired adults with their creativity. This year 11 year-old Jack Weed (seen serving food in the photograph from last year ) will lead the team again).

Please donate or help in any way possible. Email kiran.frey59@gmail.com

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” – Bill Gates

Art Sale to benefit the center

Enjoy meals and classes from n award winning cook.

An ibook describing youth social entrepreneurs who helped raise funds through their talent, skills and team work winning awards and building self confidance along the way.

100% of the sales of this book will benefit the Peter Wulff Center

Available at the Apple ibook store