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 luncheon, supporters are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets online for a twice weekly chance to win coveted items. Donated items from local business, including Sweet William and Megan Hickman Design, as well as renowned interior designers and artists, like Mark D. Sikes, Kara Mann, Paloma Contreras and others, will be raffled off to support the society.
"Raising money for the Hinsdale Historical Society has been quite the challenge over the last year," said Kristen Laakso, president. "We had to cancel the popular Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk in 2020. That was devastating for our finances and morale. However, our creative members have risen to the challenge and designed a virtual luncheon."
The society's luncheon, held annually prior to COVID-19, has served as a cornerstone event, second to the Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk, raising much-needed funds to enable the society to maintain and protect Immanuel Hall, The Hinsdale History Museum and the R. Harold Zook Home & Studio. The nonprofit also offers regular educational programs and operates the Roger and Ruth Anderson Architecture Center inside Immanuel Hall.
"So many people in town look forward to the Friday before Mother's Day because for the last 15 years, it has signified the Kitchen Walk," said Hope Lloyd Brown, who is co-chairing the event with her sister, Sarah Zielke. "With that same spirit in mind, we are encouraging people to celebrate friendship and beautiful design in honor of one of our town's favorite fundraisers."
On the day of the event, all are encouraged to host a luncheon in their own home. Smaller groups of friends can come together, set their tables, and post photos of their own kitchens and homes while having online access to a short program as well as a grand prize raffle drawing. Take-home meals will be provided by Paul Virant of Vistro Prime.
To become a Kitchen Walk Luncheon Ambassador or to purchase individual tickets ($75 per person) or raffle tickets, please visit https://www.kitchen-walk.com.
Walk for Wellness House
This year, Walk For Wellness House event goers will have the choice of embarking on a one-mile walk (or a 10 step walk) in town or in the forest to help support the nonprofit at its annual fundraiser.
On May 2, during 60-minute reserved time slots, guests can enjoy the Walk at Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, which is the event's traditional start/end point. Or they can participate in the Walk in the Woods at forest preserves in Cook and DuPage Counties. And like last year, the Walk Your Way option is available to encourage participants to walk in a location of their choice to ensure social distancing.
The event's goal is to raise $550,000 this year. However, Molly Haunty, who is co-chairing the event with Lori Naccarato, said that the goal is really to foster a sense of community to those impacted by cancer.
"Most importantly, the goal is to rally as a community to support those impacted by cancer: groups in costume, kids and parents pushing strollers, friends walking or friends running," Haunty said. "Wellness House's vision is a community where all people affected by cancer thrive - not just live, but thrive - and that positive energy is so apparent in the sea of community members flooding the streets in support of those impacted by cancer."
For more information, visit https://www.wellnesshouse.org.
- Alexis Braden of Hinsdale
is the paper's society columnist. Readers can email her at
