NEW FUND IN MEMORY OF BJ CHIMENTI
The Hinsdale Humane Society’s Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center has announced that a new fund for veterans has been established in memory of board member BJ Chimenti.
The mission of the BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets is to nurture the human animal bond and provide ongoing financial, educational and moral support to military veterans and active duty servicemen and women.
“I’m thrilled that the humane society wants to honor our beautiful and amazing BJ this way,” said her husband, Norm Chimenti. “It’s perfect. Our family hopes that everyone will want to preserve her memory by supporting the new program in any way they can. Not only does it benefit vets and animals, but it keeps BJ alive in our hearts. We’re grateful beyond words for that.”
The fund will
• reduce the costs of pet guardianship to prevent veterans from returning their adopted pets to the shelter due to financial hardship.
• share the positive benefits of the human-animal bond through the society’s Therapaws Pet Therapy teams.
• build mutually beneficial relationships between veterans in need of companionship and animals in need of good homes by finding loving families for the most overlooked sheltered animals: seniors, special needs and long-term homeless pets
• build a volunteer program inclusive to veterans that offers the chance to help animals in need, be around like-minded people and work for the greater good of the community
“BJ brightened every life she touched with her warmth, wit, talents, elegance and compassion,” said Tom Van Winkle, CEO, Hinsdale Humane Society. “It was her wish that this program be created to help veterans and animals everywhere. It is a fitting tribute to the dynamic person she was, always seeking to make a difference in her life.”
For more information about the fund, please contact Jacki Rossi at [email protected] or (630) 323-5630, ext. 12.
Shopping trip for WELLNESS clients
Eight cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers who are clients at Wellness House enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience at the Lululemon store in Oak Brook Nov. 22. Each participant was given a budget of $320 and treated to a private, in-store shopping experience.
“Like so many at Wellness House, cancer support is near and dear to my heart,” said Katya Sidelnick, InnerJasmine Yoga Studio founder and Lululemon ambassador. “Navigating my mom’s cancer journey as one of her caregivers showed me not only how strong she was but how complex the challenges are facing all those diagnosed. I am fortunate that my mom is a survivor but realize that not everyone faces the same outcome.
“I believe with the little time we do have it is important to find ways lift each other up — not only individually, but as a community. It is something both my fiancé and I who is also a cancer survivor strongly believe in.”
Wellness House Executive Director Lisa Kolavennu said the act of kindness was much appreciated.
“At a time when life can seem cold and challenging, Katya and Lululemon have extended this gift to several Wellness House participants to help them feel better as they travel their wellness journey. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and spirit of giving.”
— Photos are posted online at https://www.facebook.com/thehinsdalean.
TEENS RAISE MONEY FOR HOSPITAL
Three Hinsdale Central juniors organized a special viewing of “Harry Potter: The Sorcerer’s Stone” Nov. 13 to raise money for LaRabida Children’s Hospital.
Daniel Kamon, Ethan Ho and Max Pavlik created, organized and marketed this unique event, raising more than $1,800 to help LaRabida care for its young patients. The Nov. 13 screening took place at the Classic Cinema York Theater in Elmhurst.
TCH RECEIVES FOUNDATION GRANT
The Community House has received a $15,000 grant from the DuPage Foundation trough its fall Community Needs grant cycle.
The Hinsdale nonprofit was one of 16 agencies to received grants totaling $248,693. The funds will provide social services and education, recreational and arts opportunities to children and families residing in the Willowbrook Corner neighborhood.
