United Services celebrated its 20^th Annual Irish Night with a record attendance of 160 people and raised more than $24,000 for its Children and Family Programs on Friday, March 17 at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock.

The night included a gourmet corned beef and cabbage dinner, live Irish Step Dance performance from the Lee Irish Dance School and a silent auction featuring many exciting items, including local gift certificates, items and passes, sports memorabilia and trips to Hawaii, Ireland and more.

Event sponsors Mutual of America and Genoa Healthcare, as well as Lake Road Generating and LDI helped to make the event a success. More than 40 local businesses donated items or gift certificates.

“United Services continues to see an increasing demand for these critical children and family programs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning. “United Services is grateful for the tremendous community support we receive each year for Irish Night to help us to meet the community need.”

All proceeds benefitted United Services Children and Family Programs. These included United Services Child Guidance Clinic, which provides family-centered treatment for children and their families, including an array of evidence-based programs to treat trauma and reduce the symptoms of PTSD. The Child Guidance Clinic has experienced a 45 percent increase in individuals served in the last two years.

Irish Night also benefitted United Services Domestic Violence Program, the only program in the region, which provides 24/7 emergency shelter and support and delivered 5,000 units of service last year.

Additional Children and Family Programs supported by Irish Night include the agency’s in-home parenting programs, Kinship Care Support Group and its Youth Service Bureau and Juvenile Review Board. The agency’s Juvenile Review Board has experienced a 155% increase in youth served in the last two years.