Our Snapdragons and Dragonflies Garden Luncheon was held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center in Oregon, IL. A beautiful day reigned as the large crowd of participants enjoyed a delightful meal, superb silent auction items, and a scratch-off raffle game even before lunch was served.

The tables were exquisitely decorated and adorned with local flowers (thank you, Pam!). At each place setting, a three-dessert flight was crafted by Serenity volunteers. We heard briefly from Karen Sikorski (Serenity Association Board President) and Suzanne Ravlin (CEO) before lunch was served, and heard many key aspects of Serenity’s impact on patients and the impact that fundraisers like the Garden Luncheon provide. Participants enjoyed conversation and a meal in the dining room of the Brubaker Center at Stronghold before the live auctions commenced to round out the experience. Our annual “pass the purse” is always the highlight of the live auction segment, where the purse is “stuffed” with donations and the designer purse is put up for auction without anyone knowing how much was placed in the purse. Other live auction items included a decorative planter and unique garden-themed artwork, with one piece able to be placed indoors or outdoors.

We thank the tireless work of our volunteers in creating centerpieces, making the desserts, helping serve and clean up the meal, and even setting up and cleaning up the event. Thank you again! Thanks also to our many donors who provided items for silent and live auctions, and the Petal Pushers who were on hand to sell their unique and beautiful cards, art, and more. The Petal Pushers work all year round to create and sell items, where the proceeds help Serenity with its mission.

Thank you to everyone for coming together for a special day that allows us to help so many people in need.