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Natalie, we know very well. She was a babe in arms when she came to the Center. I asked her to come speak to our board when she was about 12 on what it's like to be a cleft kid. And she sat there very poised and said to us, "You know, everybody has something." And we sat there with our mouths open. She was right. She went on to be a cheerleader, and she's in college now. How has the Foundation grown since you first became involved? LB: When I was first on the board, we had no black-tie event, so that was the first thing we did. We had auction items in our home, our living room became auction central, and the dining room table was for addressing invitations. ABC: We had an auction chairperson from one of the TV channels, and while we were finishing dessert, she turned to us and said, "I'm so sorry, but a news story is breaking and I have to leave. You'll have to find somebody else to do the auction." Laurie took one look at me, excused herself, ran to the ladies' room, and burst into tears. She came out 15 minutes later—she looked perfect—chaired the auction and raised $100,000. LB: Everybody was so nice and felt for us—and I think we made more money then, because it was our very first black-tie event. ABC: We've raised close to $2 million, and there have been cutbacks in funding, so our money is very necessary. We want to make sure all the kids receive the services they need, regardless of what they can pay. Why do you think the Foundation's work is so important? ABC: Because it changes a child's life. Without the surgery and the follow- up, that child's life will be impacted completely. And we know that, with this treatment, this kid will be fine. LB: You do it for the love of the child. You see them smile, and you see them running into the Center. You do it because your heart melts for them. You see the sacrifices everybody makes—doctors, nurses, family, children, and board members give their time, their money, and their expertise. I think there are more good people in the world than you ever hear about. What the Center is doing makes you feel better about mankind—it really pulls at your heartstrings. It does mine. Tickets start at $400 for Face the Future: A Venetian Masquerade, March 14, 6:30 PM, Four Seasons, 120 E. Delaware Pl. For tickets, call 312-943-8383, or visit facethefuturefoundation.org . MA Saranna Biel-Cohen, Dr. Mimis Cohen, and Andrea Biel-Cohen. PEOPLE Spirit of Generosity CHICAGO 45 E. OAK ST. 312 . 640 . 0700 HIGHLAND PARK 572 ROGER WILLIAMS AVE. 847 . 432 . 8800 LAKE FOREST 560 N. WESTERN AVE. 847 . 735 . 8300 TAY L O R - R E E S E . C O M T A Y L O R R E E S E S A L O N S C L I E N T: A N N E T T E P E C O R A , C O - F O U N D E R , T H E 6 0 S B E A U T Y L A S H