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Plummeting down the rabbit hole of fantasy with a tardy white rabbit was a first for many Hinsdale readers when the library acquired a copy of "Alice in Wonderland" around the turn of the century. The best-selling novel was one of the first books to grace the shelves of Hinsdale's then newly minted library. Roughly 125 years later, the Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club hopes to take guests on a similar Queen of Hearts-inspired adventure. In order to raise money for several...
Patty Burke has worn many hats over her nearly two decades of service to the Misericordia Women's League, including serving as benefit chair and league president. However, this year might just be her greatest role, as she and husband Ed have been selected as the nonprofit's 2023 Heart of Gold recipients. Burke's devotion to Misericordia started as a way to give back to the organization that she says "takes care of God's most vulnerable children" including her husband's...
When Clarendon Hills mother Bridget O'Meara was pregnant with her son Liam, doctors learned the left side of her baby's heart wasn't developing. It was a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS. At 1 week old, Liam underwent his first open heart surgery to repair the ventricle in his heart, followed by another surgery one month later and his third at 2 years of age. Now, 16 years later, Liam is a thriving sophomore at Nazareth Academy. To celebrate this...
For more than two decades, 20 percent of babies born at AdventhHealth Hinsdale Hospital have relied on the medical center's neonatal intensive care unit, which year after year offers the tiniest and most fragile patients exemplary care. And despite the Level III NICU's vital importance, the unit never has been renovated. Hinsdale mother Katie Beuke saw this firsthand. Beuke gave birth to her son Charlie 12 weeks early. He spent his first 98 days in one of the hospital's most...
Merry and Bright is the mindset The Community House is hoping to convey at this year's Holiday Ball to raise funds to support the vital mental health services offered by the nonprofit's counseling center. TCH's Kettering Hall and the fieldhouse will be transformed for the gala, which year after year unofficially ushers Hinsdale into the holiday season. "Guests will enter a merry Kettering Hall, draped in deep jewel-tones, for cocktails (before entering) the fieldhouse for a...
With the power of three, the Wellness House hopes to better reach those living with cancer, far and near. There are now three ways people can connect with Wellness House. Anyone can choose to participate in the more than 500 free-of-charge programs made available in person and any time online. And now through a generous donation, there is a new hybrid option. "It's really amazing because as we evolved our programming during the pandemic, we have increased our accessibility,"...
Walk a mile in my shoes. This phrase from days gone by encourages the practice of empathy. It fosters an understanding, awareness and sensitivity to others in need. It offers a place to start a conversation and begin to develop empathy. The Community House is kick starting its conversation on mental health with the nonprofit's 15th annual Walk the Walk fundraising event on Sunday, May 15. "A simple 1-mile walk outdoors benefits your mental health, but can also start a...
The Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Children's Home + Aid Society has made America's run for the roses synonymous with empowerment through its trifecta of commitment to provide care and support to children and families in need at home, in the classroom and in the community. Now in its 67th year, the Hinsdale Auxiliary's Derby Day Party raises vital funds to help the 30,000 who turn to the more than a century-old nonprofit each year. For Natalie Ryan, who is co-chairing the event...
More than 50 nonprofits across the greater Chicago area are turning to the Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club this year with the hope of receiving vital grant money from the philanthropic powerhouse that has served the Hinsdale community for more than 70 years. "We are so grateful to all our members, sponsors and local supporters who helped us raise a near record-setting year (in 2021), all in the middle of a pandemic," said HJWC member Bridget Nagle, who is chairing the club's...
Bringing luxury outdoors is the theme of one of the showcased tables at the Infant Welfare's annual Tablescapes charity event - inspired by one Hinsdale businesswoman's love of entertaining outdoors, in elevated style. When Irene Wood, founder of The Fields, South Haven's award-winning glamping destination, decided to sponsor the "Fireside" tablescape, she immediately knew she wanted to evoke a feeling of chalet-chic. By incorporating furs, vintage china and live-edge wood...
Those who have tirelessly worked and volunteered alongside Sister Rosemary Connelly over her many decades of service have undoubtably heard her share her passionate thoughts on Misericordia Heart of Mercy's mission: "Those living with disabilities not only have a right to life, they have a right to a life worth living." With a dedication to service spanning more than five decades, Connelly has devoted herself to the century-old nonprofit, which cares for more than 600...
Members of the Hinsdale Assembly Class of 2021 soon will be returning home from college to celebrate a year's worth of community service and fundraising for the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation at the organization's annual Assembly Ball. Despite having to cancel its annual St. Thomas Hospice Carnival due to COVID restrictions, this year's class, consisting of 26 debutantes and 24 honor guard, spent their senior year of high school giving back. Service projects included volunteerin...
While it seems like the lights have always been on at Hinsdale's community mainstay, the holiday revelers who have graced Kettering Hall for decades to ring in the season celebrated The Community House virtually last year given the pandemic. This year, the Holiday Ball will return to the brick and mortar building, which has given joy to so many for more than 80 years. "There is nothing quite like the feeling of The Holiday Ball and for people to experience The Community House...
Twenty-five years ago, the women of the Hinsdale-based Assistance League Chicagoland West chapter pivoted from the traditional luncheon fundraiser with a novel idea - to host a panel event highlighting local authors. The event, held annually since, has offered avid readers and philanthropists alike an opportunity to fundraise for those less fortunate in the community. "Two Assistance League members had an idea to create a different take on a lunch fundraiser," said Meg...
What started off nearly 15 years ago as a home-based school for children and young adults living with autism has become a beacon of light for those families seeking to provide a positive learning environment for their children. Courtney McClear of Hinsdale was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5 when she lost her ability to speak, had increased anxiety and experienced sensory issues. Five years later, in 2010, Courtney was not progressing in a traditional school setting....
The coveted outdoor spaces of seven Hinsdale homes, with perennials in bloom, pristine pools and immaculately manicured gardens and pathways, will be showcased at this year's Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk Outdoor Edition next month. Pivoting on the traditional Kitchen Walk fundraiser, consisting of tours of the first floors of several Hinsdale homes, this year the Hinsdale Historical Society is unveiling its new outdoor event to continue to celebrate Hinsdale's history, while...
The Hinsdale Historical Society is taking to social media this month to bring timeless design inspiration to Hinsdale, culminating in its virtual luncheon, "Making Old, New Again" on Friday, May 7. Nationally recognized designers - including Summer Thornton, Sarah Vaile, Lauren Ashley Allan and Kelly Hurliman - will provide custom content via the society's social media channels through May 7 to discuss design trends and lasting interior décor. In preparation for the...
Ten days prior to hosting the 23rd annual Tablescapes Illuminate luncheon in March of last year, the Hinsdale chapter of the Infant Welfare Society was forced to postpone its event due to the pandemic. Now, a year later, the chapter will hold its coveted event virtually. While the women of the Hinsdale chapter fundraise throughout the year, Tablescapes has long been the chapter's largest fundraising event benefiting the Infant Welfare Society's Angel Harvey Family Health...
While reflecting on her nearly decade-long tenure with the Misericordia Women's League, this year's Heart of Gold award recipient, Kathy Connor, attributes the league's success to Sister Rosemary Connelly, whose heart has been at the crux of the organization since 1969. "Sister Rosemary is like a beacon of light," said the Hinsdale resident, who was named by Connelly to receive this year's award, along with her husband, Kevin. "She inspires all of us. She has made this her...
Working as a Chicago Public Schools speech pathologist, Clarendon Hills mother-of-two Jen Alsman saw first-hand the struggles low-income families faced while striving to provide quality health care and resources for their families. Because of this, Alsman and others have devoted countless hours of service to fundraise for the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago's Angel Harvey Family Health Center via the organization's Clarendon Hills chapter and its annual benefit. "I saw the...
A six point snowflake holiday ornament, which now adorns the trees of The Community House Holiday Ball's friends and supporters, has become a symbol of hope and thanksgiving during this pandemic. In lieu of hosting its annual Holiday Ball - the unofficial start of the holiday season for so many in Hinsdale and the largest fundraising event for The Community House - the organization presented steadfast donors and supporters with a surprise gift, acknowledging their commitment...
When Karen Vrdolyak attended last fall's 100 Women Who Give a Damn fundraiser in Western Springs, she was unsure that her organization, the Harvey-based Restoration Ministries' Tabitha House, would be selected. Two other nonprofits were also presenting that night to the group of 100 women philanthropists and she knew that the topic of addiction wasn't warm and fuzzy. She did know that the Tabitha House graduate selected to present on the organization's behalf - a recovering...
Raising funds for cancer research continues to serve as a pillar for Scoreboard Charities as it prepares to host its fourth annual charity wine event. This year to stay one step ahead of COVID restrictions, organizers have moved to a virtual event they say will still be rewarding. "It is important to Scoreboard Charities to continue to help in the fight against cancer and to help provide kids with the disease a chance at being a kid," said Beth O'Malley, production manager...
While the pandemic has affected everyone, young and old, those living with cancer have been particularly impacted. Wellness House has provided a constant source of support for the thousands of patients who rely on the cancer resource center. "Coping with the effects of cancer has not taken a back seat to COVID-19 for the patients and families Wellness House serves," said Deb Kwiatt, marketing communications manager at Wellness House. "They need Wellness House even more now...
Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club recently stepped up to the plate to answer a call for help by those directly impacted by COVID-19 - the village's frontline heroes at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale. Given HJWC's long-standing track record of fundraising for local organizations (over the past five years the club has raised more than $1 million for nonprofits) hospital staff knew the club would take action. "When HJWC's leadership received word of the hospital's...
