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 Center. The health center is one of the oldest, independent health centers in Chicago.
According to Tracy Fussaro, who is chairing the event along with Natalya Lisa Amond, the chapter holds various events throughout the year, including an annual coat drive to collect gently used winter coats, snow boots and new hats and gloves for families in need. The chapter also hosts a baby shower in the fall to collect to diapers and new baby items for the mothers at the Center. However, Tablescapes is by far the largest, having raised on average $100,000.
"Through the (Infant Welfare Society) Endowment, the center is preparing for the future needs of its patients," Fussaro said. "The goal is to provide the very best health care to those in need. Every dollar raised gives the center the stability and security to maintain and grow their health care services for years to come."
Ever since the founding days of the center, the staff at the Infant Welfare Society have provided services ahead of their time. Now, more than a century later, fundraising efforts will help support patients with COVID-19 including in person care and telehealth visits.
The weeklong virtual Tablescapes Illuminate event will go live at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 14. From the comfort of their own homes, event-goers can view the thoughtfully-curated tablescapes, learn more about the Infant Welfare Society, and view auction items and raffles. The link will allow guests to purchase tickets for a chance to win one of the seven themed table settings as well as to partake in the auction. The event closes
Sunday, March 21.
Raffle items include a three-night stay in Scottsdale, Ariz., a diamond and gold Meredith Marks bracelet from Sweet William and a case of various wines and accessories.
"This is our way of shining light to those who need it," Fussaro said. "Our goal is to raise as much money as possible as the need at the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago is greater than ever."
For more information and to participate in the event, please visit https://HIWS2021.givesmart.com.
HJWC Platinum Unplugged
The Hinsdale Junior Women's Club will host its annual benefit, Platinum Unplugged: The Remix, on Saturday, April 24, at Burdi Clothing in Hinsdale.
"With many small businesses struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic, HJWC felt a responsibility to bring the event back 'home' to try to support as many of its beloved local businesses as possible," event co-chair Juhl Patterson said.
Rather than a typical four-plus-hour event with food, beverage and entertainment, HJWC will purchase gift cards for each attendee to use at downtown Hinsdale stores and restaurants of their choice. At the immersive red carpet experience, which will be held in multiple one-hour time slots to ensure social distancing, attendees will receive their gifts cards to enjoy that evening.
Patterson added that guests will then be encouraged to take their red carpet looks out on the town to celebrate in smaller groups of their own choosing at local bars, restaurants or even from the comfort of their own home. Guests will also have the opportunity to particulate in silent auction and raffle items.
All funds raised through this event will benefit various local nonprofits via HJWC's grant program. To purchase tickets, $225 per person, please visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/exi/.
- Alexis Braden of Hinsdale is the paper's society columnist.
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