Purpose, in practice

ST. CHARLES – Amidst walls adorned with photographs of celebrities and world leaders, a walk-in closet the size of a small bedroom, and even a half-court for playing basketball, Ed French lives in a home many can only dream of owning.

Earlier this month, French opened that home to charity, as he and wife Karen played host to the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center for its annual Winter Wine Festival Fundraiser.

About three dozen volunteers spent about two days setting up for the event in their 10,000 square -foot St. Charles Township home, and 20 came to empty the home afterwards.

"You really give your house to the event for about a week," French said.

This was the couple's third consecutive year hosting the event, French said, and it raised nearly $350,000 for the Geneva-based charity.

But giving up his privacy for awhile was no big deal for French, who grew up one of six kids in a household with one bathroom and little money. In fact, the couple made the entire effort a family affair, their children helping to prepare the house for the event.

"It's their turn to give back," he said.

The Frenches wants their children to know that although they're too young to help a cause financially, they still can make a difference.

"It's not just money," Ed French said. "It's time."

French said his and his wife's involvement with LivingWell began when a neighbor died of breast cancer. A fellow parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church told them about LivingWell, he said, and now he serves on its Board of Directors. His wife, Karen, is passionate about supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, he said, adding she annually hosts a fundraising event at her office.

French himself also serves on the board of directors for the Goulden Touch, a charitable organization started by Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould, a golf buddy of the St. Charles philanthropist. When French was just five years old, his 15-year-old brother died of asthma. With children's health issues close to his heart, French is an active donor and supporter of Children's Memorial Hospital, he said.

French credits his and his wife's charitable nature to their mothers, he said. They hope to instill the same value in their children: Mirabella, 10; Daniel, 8; and Eddie, 10 months, he said.

"We're doing well," French said. He owns a staffing and placement company with offices throughout the metropolitan area. His wife owns a med spa in Elgin. "We've got to show we can give back to our local community."