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 formal dinner - bright in both appearance and in messaging about the future of the counseling center," said Jeanne Hendrie, who is co-chairing the event with her husband Andrew along with Sarah and Ryan LeStrange and Kiersten and Andrew Tomson.
Dan Janowick, executive director of TCH, said the privately-funded nonprofit is seeing an increased need for mental health services due COVID-19 and remote learning's impact on children and adolescents.
Just last year, 70 percent of the counseling center's patients were younger than 24. Most of these individuals would not have been able to afford mental health support without the sliding scale payment options offered by TCH.
The Merry & Bright Holiday Ball will take place Saturday, Dec. 3. While the event is sold out, those wishing to support the counseling center may visit http://www.thecommunityhouse.org/holidayball/ to purchase raffle tickets and wine or make a tax-deductible donation.
Mistletoe Medley
The Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago is celebrating the organization's 50th anniversary by hosting Mistletoe Medley "Hearts of Gold" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 29, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace.
Over the span of 50 years, the chapter has raised more than $4.8 million for the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. And according to event Co-chairs Marge Tresley and Linda Layland, the organization hopes to reach the $5 million mark in recognition of its 50th year. More than 500 guests are expected to attend the luncheon and fashion show, with NBC 5's own Allison Rosati serving as emcee. Guests will also have the opportunity to get a kick start on holiday shopping with more than 30 boutique vendors and an extensive raffle.
Proceeds benefit Infant Welfare Society's The Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago. The nonprofit provides health services to families in need, including well-child care, pediatric dentistry, vision screening and women's health and family counseling.
Tickets are $102 per person. Visit http://www.oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org.
Giving Tuesday
Hinsdale's local philanthropies are in need of your fundraising dollars on Giving Tuesday. Here are just a few organizations that need your help.
• As part of a larger fundraising call to action, the Hinsdale Humane Society is hosting a regular virtual fundraiser - "Queen of Hearts Raffle" - to benefit its feline and canine residents every Tuesday afternoon via its social media channels. Over the past year, donations to the 70-year-old nonprofit have substantially diminished. Visit http://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org.
• With major maintenance due at the Hinsdale Historical Society's Hinsdale History Museum and the R. Harold Zook Home & Studio, along with plans to host programs in 2023 to celebrate Hinsdale's 150th anniversary, the society is asking for continued financial support on Giving Tuesday. The nonprofit does not receive funding at the state or local level. Visit http://www.hinsdalehistory.org.
• Those seeking to make a difference to individuals and families affected by cancer at Wellness House will have the opportunity to triple their fundraising impact, thanks to two Illinois-based foundations. All gifts made before Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the Greer Foundation (up to $100,000). And gifts of $225 or more made between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 will be matched by The Coleman Foundation as well as the Greer Foundation (under $100,000). Visit http://www.wellnesshouse.org.
