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Exclusive interview with jazz great
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HOLIDAY TO-DO-LIST
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
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Home for the Holidays RIZZACARS.COM 9 New Car Franchises. New & Pre-Owned Vehicles Online.
RIZZACARS.COM 9 New Car Franchises. New & Pre-Owned Vehicles Online.
Visit all of our Locations on 159th Street in Orland Park and Tinley Park
Happy Holidays
Holiday Anniversary Sale December
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS This is the perfect time of year to relax and enjoy moments with your family – it's also a great time to revisit your finances and see if you should refinance your home!
- CONTACT US TODAY FOR A MORTGAGE CHECK-UP SAM SHARP
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14 W. HINSDALE AVE. HINSDALE, IL 60521 NMLS ID #2611 Guaranteed Rate, Inc; D. Gjeldum NMLS ID 686529; S.Sharp NMLS ID 244518; For licensing Information visit: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.
JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA Presents
Star-Studded LP, CD and Digital Collection From America’s Top Jazz Labels On Sale Now TO PURCHASE www.store.jazzfoundation.org
“I’m honored to be a part of this meaningful project that supports the important work of the Jazz Foundation, who has always been there for musicians going through tough times”… -Herbie Hancock
About Jazz Foundation of America
For over three decades, the Jazz Foundation of America has been keeping jazz, blues and roots, alive by helping the musicians who have played the soundtrack of our lives. Our Musicians’ Emergency Fund provide housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief, and financial support to musicians and their families in times of crisis.
LETTER from THE PUBLISHER
A NEW YEAR AND A DECADE OF PUBLISHING We're at the end of an eventful year which has tested all of us. It's a great time to reflect on what really matters.
Gramercy Park, look for the Gramercy Park Hotel. And, in Tribeca, you can stay at the Greenwich Hotel.
To make the point, in an exclusive interview, Julie Jonlich visits jazz great Ramsey Lewis and his wife, artist Jan Lewis. This super-talented couple talks about their exciting careers and what makes their lives together so special.
Since it is a season of giving, consider supporting worthy non-profits.
To put you in a holiday mood, consider the following: Brookfield Zoo is lighting up their wonderful park again this December with Holiday Magic and all kinds of activities to enjoy, including, of course, the animals themselves. If you love outdoor light displays, Morton Exclusive interview with jazz great Arboretum is another must-see.
Our annual review gives you a good idea of how 16 organizations have helped those who need help. They are doing their part. This is a good time to do yours. Changing things up a bit, we share a story of how an early Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home will be preserved in Hinsdale.
SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE, CLARENDON HILLS & OAK BROOK
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Remember to visit www. HinsdaleMag.com to reflect on 2021 with all the digital editions on-line. There you can comment and share the stories and suggest what you would like Hinsdale Magazine to cover in 2022. Thank you for making our first decade of publishing a success.
RAMSEY LEWIS
For live, on-stage performance, and his take in legendary songwriter artist wife Jan Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Drury Lane Theater. Or, head to downtown Chicago and watch the Nutcracker performed by the Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric + Opera House. On New Year’s Eve, you could also listen to the New Philharmonic concert at the McAnnich Arts Center at the College of DuPage. HOLIDAY TO-DO-LIST
NON-PROFIT LEADERS
If you just want to get away this holiday season and New York is your destination, we have seven iconic hotels to choose from, depending on the part of town you are interested in. For the Upper East Side, try the Carlyle. If you are heading to Midtown, you have St. Regis. For the Flatiron District, stay at the NoMad. For SoHo, there is The Mercer, in Greenwich Village try The Marlton, and for 8
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
ICONIC NY HOTELS
Happy Holidays!
Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com
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2021 A D E CAD E OF PU BL I SHI NG —E S TAB L IS H ED 2011—
Live Life Artfully Live it here drurydesigns.com
C L I E N T F O C U S E D D E S I G N ™ S I N C E 1 9 8 7. G L E N E L LY N , I L L I N O I S 6 3 0 . 4 6 9 . 4 9 8 0
CONTENTS | November 2021
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33 28 TO DO LIST
Events in December for the family
30 TRAVEL
New York City hotels
33 GIFT GUIDE
Monogrammed gifts
33 COMMUNITY SCENE Brookfield Zoo at night
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PUBLISHER LETTER
18 HISTORICAL RESTORATION Frederick Bagley House
38 FASHION
Sweater weather
42 CHARITABLE GIVING
Local no-profit charities talk about their needs for 2022
22 COVER STORY
Ramsey and Jan Lewis
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22
Cover photo by Russell Jenkins Ravinia Festival
FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.HINSDALEMAG.COM 10
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
WHY PATIENTS TRUST HINSDALE DENTISTRY AND DR. PETER HARNOIS FOR THEIR
SMILE MAKEOVERS
Hinsdale Dentistry transforms hundreds of smiles per year. Just why are so many patients choosing this practice for cosmetic dentistry? Because they know that Dr. Harnois is an esthetics expert—not just regionally, but internationally. Combine his authority with the top-tier technologies available at his practice, and the decision becomes crystal clear. Hinsdale Dentistry has long been setting a standard for comfortable patient care, with the aid of multiple dental lasers and the iTero digital scanner for digital impressions. These tools provide more comfortable, precise and efficient treatment and give patients of all ages a new understanding of dental care. Whether Hinsdale Dentistry’s patients are children receiving fillings prepared with a water laser and no painful shots, adults prepping teeth for crowns or veneers, or anxious patients hoping to whiten their teeth without sensitivity or to avoid traditional impressions, the practice’s minimally invasive technologies revolutionize their experience. Dr. Harnois’ mastery of these tools has led to him becoming a sought-out trainer for emerging dental technologies and techniques. He travels throughout North America teaching other doctors to provide similarly exceptional treatment, sharing his skills as a clinician and esthetics authority.
DR. HARNOIS’ INTERNATIONAL LECTURING As a clinical trainer and lecturer for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and DenMat, the manufacturer of Lumineers, Dr. Harnois provides handson training and education to dental and medical professionals across the country. He shares his philosophy that every patient deserves the most gentle and minimally invasive cosmetic and metal-free dental treatments with natural results, and enables other dentists to elevate their patient care. THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY (AACD) Dr. Harnois is a 10-year member of the AACD, which is considered the highest body of knowledge of esthetic dentistry. He is also one of the main presenters at their annual educational symposium each year. THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL ESTHETICS (AAFE) Dr. Harnois is the President of the Illinois American Academy of Facial Esthetics and trains dentists in Botox and dermal filler techniques. He is a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive total facial esthetic techniques. Dr. Harnois has instructed thousands of healthcare
professionals through both lecture and hands-on courses and is an outstanding instructor who is known for his coherent and interactive style. DENMAT, LUMINEERS MANUFACTURER Dr. Harnois partners with DenMat to train other dentists in minimally invasive esthetics. He provides hands-on preparation and placement of minimally invasive, ultra-thin, highly esthetic veneers, and educates other dentists on smile design and case consultation and evaluation. He has also authored their educational platforms for the last four years. As an educational leader for current dental technologies and minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Harnois is able to truly transcend and provide patients with unparalleled dental care. If you’re interested in learning more about a noninvasive smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation, reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We are offering specials on Lumineers smile makeovers—reach out today to learn more!
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WE’RE HERE
FOR YOU At Hinsdale Bank & Trust, we understand that while not everyone is in the same boat, we’re all weathering the same storm. As a community, we’re in uncharted waters, but our philosophy as your true local bank hasn’t changed. Our lobbies are now open, and you can still take advantage of our drive-up service, utilize our digital tools and online financial resources, and make an appointment to safely meet with a local banker. We’re committed to doing what we’ve always done: work hard to be there for our customers and support our community.
HINSDALE’S COMMUNITY BANK 25 E. First St. | Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-323-4404 | www.hinsdalebank.com
Visit hinsdalebank.com/meetus to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
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Hinsdale, IL 60521 Hinsdale, IL 60521 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 (630) 734-8910 (630) 734-8909 Hinsdale, IL 60521 Hinsdale, IL 60521 richard.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com jessie.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com Dick Barrett Jessie Barrett, CFP® (630) 734-8910 (630) 734-8909 www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com Managing Director – Investments Managing Director – Investments richard.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com jessie.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com Hinsdale, IL 60521NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee /Hinsdale, IL 60521 Investment and Insurance Products: MAY Lose Value (630) 734-8910 (630) 734-8909 Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action. Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value jessie.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade namerichard.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action. www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com ©2021 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0221-00536 Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2021 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0221-00536
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Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2021 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0221-00536
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24 W Hinsdale Ave · www.burdiclothing.com · 630 468 2126
Hinsdale Magazine | Commerce
Burdi is hosting the annual Toys for Tots drive at 11AM on Saturday December 4th at our Hinsdale Store. Please drop off a new unwrapped toy by December 11th to get it into the hands of a child for Christmas. Wishing everyone the happiest of Holidays from the Burdi family.
Hinsdale Magazine | Historical Restoration
The Frederick Bagley House Designed in 1894, had no legal protection from demolition for redevelopment. It will be restored and protected with a preservation easement by new preservation-minded buyers.
T
hanks to efforts led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, Hinsdale preservationists and Landmarks Illinois, the Frederick Bagley House in Hinsdale, Illinois, will be restored by preservation-minded buyers. It had recently been listed for sale and faced a clear threat of demolition and redevelopment.
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The Bagley House, a unique and irreplaceable early work by Frank Lloyd Wright, designed in 1894,has no legal protection, and alterations over time have concealed Wright’s original design intent for the house. In July, the Bagley House went on the private market in the Village of Hinsdale, a community which has recently seen many older houses torn down to make way for new development. Hinsdale
preservationists became alarmed and contacted the Conservancy when a pre-plan review was filed with the Village of Hinsdale showing the lot’s potential for redevelopment. It seemed entirely possible the Bagley House and its architectural legacy could be lost forever to demolition and replacement by a new building, as has happened to neighboring houses.
Together, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission and Landmarks Illinois raised a substantial amount of regional and national interest in the fate of the Bagley House. Wright fans and preservation advocates across the country appealed to Hinsdale village officials for intervention to save the home. The call for help also inspired Safina Uberoi and Lukas Ruecker, owners of the Wright-designed Tonkens House in Cincinnati, to put in an offer with a preservation guarantee that was accepted by the sellers. “While we were concerned about the potential risk to the Bagley House, a vital part of Wright’s canon whose loss would have been tragic for the Wright community, we are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response and support from the Village of Hinsdale, especially its Historic Preservation Commission, and the broader community of Wright lovers in the US and abroad”, says Barbara Gordon, Executive Director of the Chicagobased Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. “We are pleased that, in line with our mission to preserve the remaining built works designed by
Frank Lloyd Wright, we were able to help find a preservation-minded buyer in the short time of one week. We look forward to assisting the new owners by making available our expert technical resources and services.” “This sequence of events highlights the need for proactive preservation efforts in our community,” said Alexis Braden, a neighbor and member of the Historic Preservation Commission. “Fortunately, the story of the Bagley House had a happy ending. It also re-energized discussions around developing preservation guidelines for our community.” “Hinsdale has worked hard to restore many of its historic buildings,” said Village President Tom Cauley. “Keeping Hinsdale’s history in the forefront of what we do, the Village has been working for the last few years on preservation incentives and other important tactics to uphold our area’s greatest treasures. Hinsdale has a robust collection of architecturally significant structures, and the Bagley House is one of hundreds of Hinsdale structures that deserve attention.” “We are grateful for all the support
and warm welcome we received from the Village of Hinsdale and its Historic Preservation Commission,” said Safina Uberoi and Lukas Ruecker, the buyers, “and excited to take over as stewards from the sellers, who took care of the Bagley House for several decades. Working on the Wright-designed Tonkens House in Cincinnati taught us that a successful restoration is a community effort, and we anticipate working closely with the Village of Hinsdale and the Conservancy over the next few years to do the same here.” While developing a detailed conditions assessment and historical structure report are the first step, the buyers indicated that they hope to use the Conservancy’s resources to restore the building to Wright’s original design, while considering sensitive ways to add living space. They will also work on listing the Bagley House as a local landmark, and upon completion of the restoration, will donate a preservation easement to the Conservancy so that the Bagley House is protected from demolition in perpetuity. The Conservancy will document the progress of the restoration on its website,savewright.org. ■
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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story
HOW FAR IS THE JOURNEY FROM HERE TO A STAR
Ramsey’s surprise 70th birthday party in 2015. Photo courtesy of Ramsey & Jan Lewis
An exclusive interview with jazz legend R a m s e y L e w i s a n d h i s w i f e , a r t i s t Ja n L e w i s BY JULIE JONLICH 22
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“H
ow far is the journey f r o m here to a star”, are the lyrics from Irving Berlin’s popular 1932 song “How deep is the Ocean” Ramsey and Jan Lewis are sweetly singing to one another from their beautiful Streeterville apartment. It’s one of the couples favorite songs they say. This inspiring, ultradynamic husband and wife that met by chance in the 70’s, seems to effortlessly live in harmony
Ramsey may be best known for his iconic Ramsey Lewis Trio. This Grammy-winning trio formed with bassist Eldie Young and percussionist Redd Holt shot up the charts in 1965 with the hit single “The In-Crowd”, which reached no. 5 on the pop charts, and the album no. 2 – right up there under The Beatles no. 1 Help! ‘ It was one of the few instances of a jazz instrumental being played on top 40 radio stations”, Lewis said. Playing in famous New York jazz clubs and
Columbia Records 1974
“The highlight of my career was playing Carnegie Hall.” - RAMSEY LEWIS
while supporting each other’s continued success. Born in Chicago to hardworking parents, Ramsey Lewis began taking piano lessons at the age of 4. Lewis says he convinced his parents to let him take lessons when his older sister, Lucille started lessons at the home of their church organist Earnestine Bruce, a well-known piano teacher on the near-north side of Chicago. ‘Whatever my older sister Lucille did, I wanted to do, too”. “When I was really young, I wanted to play ball with the neighborhood kids, instead of practice piano”. That all changed when Ramsey was about 11. He started
taking lessons with Dorothy Mendelssohn. A petite piano teacher at Chicago Music College, Lewis credits Mendelssohn (whom he says was the most influential person in his career), with teaching him to connect with people through music.
touring as full-time musicians, in 1966, Lewis formed a new trio, after the original trio broke up, for which he recruited Cleveland Eaton as bassist, and Maurice White as drummer (who later formed R & B super group, Earth Wind and Fire).
‘To this day, I remember her saying “you must make the piano sing!”
“Maurice would always ask me questions about the business-end of music”, says Ramsey. “Each time I saw him, he would ask a different question. One day he said – I’m going to form a group that’s all about dancing, along with the music”. White eventually founded R&B super group Earth Wind and Fire. Known for spanning musical genres and selling over 90 million records, they are one of the world’s best –selling bands of all-
Fast-forward a few years to the age of 15. When the talented Lewis is invited to join a popular seven-piece Jazz band, The Cleffs. Ramsey, a high school freshman at the time, fondly remembers getting picked up by the band, playing Jazz sets, and making it back home in time for school the next day.
Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story
Ramsey Lewis Trio circa 1966, Cleveland Eaton, Ramsey Lewis and Maurice White
“Take Ramsey Lewis there, He’s got gospel and classical and jazz all mixed up together.” - LEGENDARY BOP TRUMPETER DIZZY GILLESPIE ON RAMSEY LEWIS’ DISTINCTIVE SOUND
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Lewis' Grammy Awards
time. Ramsey says he and Maurice remained close friends until White’s death in 2016 at the age of 74, from Parkinson’s disease. Lewis says he was honored to speak at his funeral.
This accomplished artist and founder of Jan Lewis Designs studied at the prestigious School of the Art Institute, and earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. “I took only hands on classes – I’d had enough of books”, she says.
cultures around the world that I’ve studied”. When I’m working on a piece, I become so involved, I loose track of time”. Inspired by many things around her, such as textures in nature, and places she’s traveled, Jan says “I remember Calcutta, India for all of its amazing colors”.
This charismatic world-renowned pianist, composer and radio personality who has three Grammy awards, seven Billboard Jan’s passion for dots is obvious “The bangle bracelets were my Gold records, has recorded over in her highy improvised work. “I first creation”. While away, and 80 albums, performed at the White have no design in mind when wanting to stay creative, she took House, and worked with wood bangles with her to countless musical artists Jan and Ramsey circa 1975 Photo courtesy of Jan and Ramsey Lewis paint, and her dot style including Tony Bennett, developed naturally. George Benson, Dave Jan’s stunning jewelry Brubeck, Herbie and pieces have not Hancock, Nancy Wilson gone unnoticed. Her and Stevie Wonder, bangles were one of the just to name a few, says items in the coveted performing at Carnegie “Oscars” gift bags for Hall is the highlight of three years in a row. his professional career. Lewis has also been The highly desirable extensively involved gift bags are for with the Ravinia actors that have been Festival, The Joffery nominated for an Ballet, and many academy award. She charitable organizations. laughs, “When I first got a call about having When asked what my bangles in the Oscar he sees for the future swag bags, I didn’t of jazz and the next think it was legitimate”. generation, he says the pandemic has changed things for young people. “They can’t get to know an instrument like before”. Adding “music is not in schools as much as it used to be”.
Ramsey says he is “retired from O’Hare”, meaning he continues working from his Chicago home, rather than touring. Each day he heads to his gorgeous Steinway in their living room. ”I’ll play for a couple of hours a day, playing scales and arpeggios”. Meanwhile, Jan is busy creating one-of-a-kind exquisite wood pieces in her art studio.
I start a piece”. She says her love of drawing as a child gave her a distinctive style. Adding, studying anthropology played a role in her designs. “My designs and patterns are subliminally influenced by the many different
Jan has also designed women’s scarves and men’s neckties for Ravinia, and says in addition to all of her Collection #1 handpainted pieces being available for purchase on her website, www. janlewisdesigns.com, she is working on being at the April 2022 One-of-a-kind show at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. When asked what they like to do for fun, this fabulous couple says they love watching movies, especially classical ones (from Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story Continued from the previous page
their large personal collection) in their comfortable city apartment. Which in addition to being filled with Jan’s gorgeous art and Ramsey’s awards, are the collections of treasures from their travels around the world. They say London and Paris are two of their favorite places they have visited in their extensive travels. The holidays are an enjoyable time with the Lewis’ big family. Ramsey says not only does Jan have fantastic culinary skills, she has also perfected their favorite Manhattan for when company comes. Professionally speaking, Ramsey’s super popular “Saturday Salon”
Teal, Ochre, Natural Wood Bowl Photo courtesy of Jan Lewis
performances. Which take place on the last Saturday of every month, feature a 60-minute concert performance at 1:00PM CT, will stream a special Friday edition on Christmas Eve, on the streaming platform Stageit. This digital platform is available to audiences worldwide
and will feature More Sounds of Christmas - one of the best-selling Jazz albums with his classic trio of Redd Holt and Eldee Young. Grooves like “Winter Wonderland”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, ‘Sleigh Ride”, and Lewis” “Christmas Blues” will be performed. Tickets for the performances are $20 per show and are on sale at stageit.com/RamseyLewis. Portions of the proceeds benefit the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA), an organization focused on aiding Jazz musicians who are struggling financially. That chance meeting in Denver so many years ago was fate, they say. Their extraordinary life together is proof of that. ■
“When I first got the phone call that they wanted to put my bangles in the Oscar swag bags, I didn't think it was legitimate.” – JAN LEWIS
Bangles for Oscar nominated gift bags Photo by Michael Coakes 26
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Jan and Ramsey Lewis at home in their Streeterville apartment HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | To Do List
ILLUMINATION TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM WILL FEATURE A WALKING EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR. Photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum
TO•DO•LIST Illumination Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum 11/20 – 1/2 4:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m. www.mortonarb.org
Guests can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and sound. This year’s exhibition returns to a walking experience, featuring five new exhibits, including a special Human+Nature display lit at night, an Arbor Court photo opportunity and festive music throughout the entire Illumination trail.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Drury Lane Theatre 11/19 – 1/9 www.drurylanetheatre.com
Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn follows retired song-and-dance man Jim’s efforts to bring entertainment to his small Connecticut town. With the help of talented 28
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WINTER 2021
schoolteacher Linda, he turns his farmhouse into an inn and puts on spectacular shows celebrating all holidays. This joyous, familyfriendly musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of Irving Berlin’s hit songs, including the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.”
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Lyric Opera House in Chicago 12/4-12/26 www.joffrey.org
The Joffrey Ballet’s criticallyacclaimed reimagined classic of The Nutcracker, by TonyAward®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, is certain to be a spectacular Christmastime event! The performance takes place at the historic Lyric Opera House in Chicago December 4th-26th.
Visits with Santa
Downtown Downers Grove Saturdays and Sundays in December 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.downtowndg.org
Bring your camera and stop on by to see if you have been naughty or nice. Visits are complimentary thanks to the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation.
2021 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships Cantigny Park 12/7 – 12/12 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.cantigny.org
Cantigny welcomes USA Cycling and roughly 1,800 amateur and professional athletes for the 2021 Cyclocross National Championships, a first-time event for DuPage County. Cyclocross is a discipline of cycling that combines both on- and offroad riding with various course
CANTIGNY PARK HOSTS THE 2021 USA CYCLING CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN DECEMBER. Photo courtesy of USA Cycling and Discover DuPage
features, some natural and some constructed. Spectators are welcome for this family-friendly event in a high-energy, festival atmosphere. Food trucks and craft beer will be on-site, along with a health and wellness expo and USA Cycling’s free “Let’s Ride” introduction to cycling camp for children.
Dave Rudolf’s Totally Cracked Up Christmas
Downers Grove Public Library 12/21 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.dglibrary.org
Dave Rudolf is a long-time performer and a multi awardwinning singer/songwriter who is releasing his 40th Album. He’s a Gold Record, Grammy nominated artist, and a 15-time nominee for Entertainer of the Year awards from NACA (The National Association for Campus Activities). Join Dave for a hilarious skewering of Christmas and winter tunes. Featuring parodies and funny original music, Dave takes on the yuletide season in this entertaining show.
New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage 12/31 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. www.atthemac.org
Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic as they welcome back baritone Ted Allen Pickel, who sang the title role from the production ofThe Mikadoon stage. Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducts waltzes, polkas, arias, light classical and pops… reflecting back and propelling you forward as only music can.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Chicago Union Station 12/3 — 1/1 rchicagothepolarexpressride.com All aboard The Polar Express! Passengers can relive the classic children’s story of The Polar Express on this magical onehour train ride. Includes onboard Christmas caroling, live entertainment, greetings with Santa, all accompanied with
hot chocolate and Walkers shortbread cookies.
Santa’s Mailbox
Hinsdale Village Hall at 19 E. Chicago Avenue 12/1 — 12/15
Children are invited to participate in Hinsdale’s Santa’s Mailbox event! In this event, the kids can watch the Christmas magic come alive as they write letters to Santa and receive personal letters back from Saint Nick himself! The infamous big red mailbox is located at Hinsdale Village Hall at 19 E. Chicago Avenue.
Holidays in Hinsdale
Hinsdale’s Burlington Park 12/12 & 12/18 11:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Bring the whole family to Hinsdale’s Burlington Park for the classic Holidays in Hinsdale event! This free and festive event features horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, holiday shopping at local boutiques, gingerbread cookies, and more!
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Hinsdale Magazine | Travel
ICONIC NYC HOTELS
From the rarified atmosphere of the Carlyle Hotel to the European bohemian vibe of the Greenwich Hotel, these hotels each tell a unique story about the city.
The Marlton Hotel
BY KERRIE KENNEDY
The Mercer hotel 30
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f you’re planning a weekend in New York City, one of the first things you have to do is decide which neighborhood will serve you best. While you can certainly get around using the subway or Ubers, nothing beats the convenience of being walking distance from the majority of the museums, shops, sights and restaurants you want to visit. Whether you want to be uptown or downtown, here are 7 iconic hotels that reflect the vibe of their neighborhood:
UPPER EAST SIDE The Carlyle
Famous Guests: Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Jackie Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra This Upper East Side institution of Pre-War Art Deco elegance has hosted numerous celebrities, royalty and politicians, including John F. Kennedy, who maintained a suite there for the last 10 years of his life. From the Dorothy Draper-designed decor to the personalized monogrammed pillowcases presented to suite guests, from the original murals in Bemelmans Bar painted by Madeline children’s book author Ludwig Bemelmans to the Café Carlyle cabaret (which was once home to Bobby Short and more recently has hosted such acts as Debbie Harry, Rita Wilson, Issac Mizrahi and Katherine McPhee), The Carlyle offers a quintessential Upper East Side experience.
MIDTOWN The St. Regis
Famous guests: Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, William and Babe Paley, Salvador Dalí Built in 1905 by tycoon John Jacob Astor IV, the 18-story Beaux Arts St. Regis, with its white-gloved butlers, gilded revolving doors and glistening chandeliers, is a lasting remnant of the city’s golden era. Just steps from Fifth Avenue, it’s the perfect place to position oneself for a weekend of shopping. No need to hoof it — there’s a Bentley house car available for drop-offs within a 10-block radius. After a long day of shopping, stop by the hotel’s King Cole Bar to sample the cocktail it invented: the Bloody Mary.
FLATIRON NoMad New York
Famous guests: Chance the Rapper, Usher, Beyonce Housed in a turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts building with Parisian-inspired
interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia, NoMad is a music industry favorite, thanks to its numerous atmospheric drinking and dining options, including the moody NoMad Bar, The Library — which features an antique spiral staircase imported from the South of France — The Elephant Bar, named after twin elephant statues that flank the back bar and the darkly romantic, ultra-luxe NoMad Restaurant.
GRAMERCY PARK
Gramercy Park Hotel
Famous guests: Humphrey Bogart, Babe Ruth, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry Built in 1925, Humphrey Bogart was married at the Gramercy and Babe Ruth was a regular. In 2006, Studio 54 co-founder and hotelier Ian Schrager reopened the hotel with filmmaker/ designer Julian Schnabel, reimagining it with sexy lighting, rich jewel tones and artwork by Andy Warhol, JeanMichel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Home to celebrity haunt Rose Bar and renowned Italian eatery Maialino, when guests tire of the see-and-be-seen atmosphere, they can retreat to the pool (which becomes a hot tub in the winter) or head over to Gramercy Park next door. The only private park in Manhattan, guests are given a key to the ultra-exclusive secret garden.
GREENWICH VILLAGE The Marlton Hotel
Famous guests: Jack Kerouac, Lenny Bruce, Lillian Gish, Dame Maggie Smith Built in 1900, this Greenwich Village brownstone is famous for housing a number of struggling actors, poets and writers during the peak of the bohemian scene, when it served as a single room occupancy hotel. In 2012, it was bought and renovated by hotelier Sean MacPherson. While it’s no longer a hotel for starving artists, it still exudes a bohemian feel with its wood-paneled walls, antique carpets and lived-in leather sofas. Even by New York standards, the rooms are small, but to make up for it guests are given priority seating at the hotel’s charming in-house restaurant Margaux, which features seasonal Mediterranean fare and French cuisine.
St. Regis
Sister hotel to Chateau Marmont in L.A. and Chiltern Firehouse in London, The Mercer — housed in a 19th-century Romanesque Revival building — defined a new genre as the first loft hotel in Soho when it opened back in 1997. Now an icon of the neighborhood, the Mercer boasts white-painted brick walls and chic interiors by Parisian designer Christian Liaigre, a restaurant helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a staff famously dedicated to top-notch customer service.
TRIBECA The Greenwich Hotel
Famous guests: Jay-Z, Yoko Ono, Cara Delevingne, Kate Hudson Located in Tribeca, not Greenwich Village, Robert De Niro’s Lower Manhattan hotel feels a little like being on a movie set, with its intimate, clubby book-filled drawing room and Grand Budapest Hotel-esque eccentricity. From the hotel’s lobby — decorated with De Niro’s late father’s abstract paintings — to its private courtyard, and from its Japanese spa with lantern-lit pool to its Italian neighborhood taverna Locanda Verde, The Greenwich Hotel offers a dazzlingly eclectic downtown experience that’s bound to include multiple celebrity sightings.
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The Greenwich Hotel
SOHO The Mercer
Famous guests: Leonardo DiCaprio, Reece Witherspoon, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Gift Guide
Perfectly Personalized Presents “If it’s not moving, monogram it!”
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– REESE WITHERSPOON
simple monogram not only makes any gift seem more thoughtful and personal, it elevates the product itself — after all, customization is often associated with luxury. Louis Vuitton offers a hot-stamping service for most of its small leather goods and soft-sided luggage bags, Goyard offers monogramming service on all its products, customization is included in the price of Longchamp’s iconic Le Pilage tote, Gucci’s Ophidia tote comes with the option of adding your initial to each side of the bag, Dior’s iconic Lady Bag allows for customization and for an additional fee, Burberry will add a monogram to its nylon backpacks and iconic scarves. Luckily, you don’t have to spring for a $10,000 handbag in order to customize a gift. Here are some of the most charming monogrammed gifts to give to the special people in your life this holiday season:
Classic Oxford Shirt, $72 at katiekime.com
Jack Rogers sandals, $198 at jackrogersusa.com
Boat & Tote Bag, $34.95-$49.95 at llbean.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Gift Guide
Custom stationery, prices vary
at ashleyscustomstationery.com
Men’s Classic Robe With Monogram, $99
at markandgraham.com
Monogrammed Tri-Fold Wallet, $100 at leatherology.com
Acrylic Serving Tray, $79 at etsy.com
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Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace, $58 at nordstrom.com
Monogrammed towel set, $49 at etsy.com
Personalized Plaid iPhone case, $59
at minnieandemma.com
Morgan duvet cover and shams, prices vary at potterybarn.com
Old Fashioned Glasses, $13.99 each at personalizationmall.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
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BROOKFIELD ZOO HOLIDAY MAGIC
he magnificent animals at Brookfield Zoo are always enough reason for a visit. Add Holiday Magic in December and make it a truly special day.
opens, on December 8-12, 15-19, and 26-31, you can see a Sea Of Lights, 2 miles long, kids can play the Game of Gnomes throughout the park, enjoy skating at the ice rink, and see illuminated animal sculptures.
From 3pm - 9pm, when the zoo
Kids can drop off letters to Santa,
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and the whole family can enjoy food and beverages along the way. Advanced reservations are required so please call ahead. Go to https://www.czs.org/HolidayMagic for all the details.
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Hinsdale Magazine | Fashion
SWEATER WEATHER With colder weather upon us, it’s time to break out the sweaters and start layering up your look. BY KERRIE KENNEDY
Soft on the skin and easy on the eyes, sweaters keep you cozy while upping your style game. Even if you’re not quite ready to part with your yoga pants, the right sweater can make them look chic without sacrificing comfort. Here are some of the hottest sweater trends for fall:
Collared Sweater, $130 at everlane.com
Perfect for the office or a parent/teacher meeting, the collar adds a professional touch. Pair with a strand of pearls for a classic look.
Sweater Coat, $395
at jennikayne.com Half-sweater, half-coat, this merino wool and cashmere relaxed fit cardigan will make a simple T-shirt and jeans looks chic and pulled together.
Half-Zip Sweater, $128
at ljcrew.com A cross between a sweatshirt and a sweater, a preppy, sporty half-zip sweater is an everyday staple you’ll wear again and again.
Off-The-Shoulder Chic, $37.99 at amazon.com Throw this chunky shoulderbearing cable knit sweater over a pair of jeans for a Saturday lunch and shopping outing with the girls.
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Crop Top & Cardigan, $23.99 at forever21.com
While a crop top may seem intimidating, when paired with high-waisted jeans and a loose cardigan, it’s surprisingly wearable and perfect for date night.
Sleek Turtleneck, $29.90
at zara.com Go for a sleek look with a classic ribbed knit turtleneck. While some turtlenecks will make you overheated indoors, this lightweight fabric is designed to breathe.
Cashmere V-Neck, $178
at bloomingdales.com This AQUA cashmere sweater is ultra-soft, elegant and available in a rainbow of colors so be sure to pick up a few since they’ll never go out of style.
Cut-Out Sweater, $34.96
at nyandcompany Pair with leather pants for a stunning holiday cocktail party solution that’s bound to elicit compliments. HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving
Give thanks and give back Our annual gathering of worthy non-profits ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF CHICAGOLAND WEST Hinsdale 630-321-2529 alcw.org BRIDGE COMMUNITIES INC. Glen Ellyn 630-545-0610 bridgecommunities.org CANDOR HEALTH EDUCATION Hinsdale 877-670-4522 candorhealthed.org DISTRICT 181 FOUNDATION Clarendon Hills 630-861-4900 d181.org/parents/ district-181-foundation 42
DIVEHEART FOUNDATION Downers Grove 630-964-1983 diveheart.org DUPAGE PADS Wheaton 630-682-3846 dupagepads.org HCS FAMILY SERVICES Hinsdale 630-323-2500 hcsfamilyservices.org HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY Hinsdale 630-323-5630 hinsdalehumanesociety.org
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INFANT WELFARE SOCIETY OF CHICAGO Auxiliaries in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale and Oak Brook infantwelfaresocietyauxiliary.org LOAVES & FISHES COMMUNITY SERVICES Naperville 630-355-3663 loaves-fishes.org PILLARS COMMUNITY HEALTH La Grange 708-745-5277 pillarscommunityhealth.org SAFE FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN Chicago 773 653 2200 safe-families.org
THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Hinsdale 630-323-7500 thecommunityhouse.org THE SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO Chicago 312 220 9600 theserviceclubofchicago.org WELLNESS HOUSE Hinsdale 630-323-5150 wellnesshouse.org
Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving
The Giving Season Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the holiday season became more widely known as “The Giving Season? BY ALICE WOOD, JD, DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING, DUPAGE FOUNDATION
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n the world of philanthropy, this is a make-or-break time of year for many of the not-for-profits in our area.
DuPage Foundation was created with a single purpose: to raise the quality of life throughout DuPage County and help people give efficiently and effectively to the causes that matter most to them throughout the year. Doing a world of good in our own backyard® is what we’re known for and everyone is invited to join us in supporting the great work of the many not-for-profit organizations serving our community. Matching interests and resources with opportunities to make a difference for those in need is the cornerstone of our work. If you find yourself in a position of wanting to give back but aren’t sure where to start, are looking to streamline your giving, or are wanting to make your giving go further through coordinated impact, we can help. As you consider your year-end giving intentions, here are some strategies to keep in mind to maximize your impact and potential tax benefits: 2021 CAA Incentives – The extension of several charitable giving incentives from the 2020 CARES Act into 2021 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) offers several opportunities for all types of donors. Gift Appreciated Assets Held for a Year or More to a Qualified Charity - This allows those who itemize to receive a potential charitable deduction for the fair market value of the donated assets (up to 30 percent of their AGI) while potentially eliminating the capital gains taxes they would otherwise incur upon the assets’ sale. While some people may think the right thing to do is to sell investments such as highly appreciated stocks and then donate the proceeds, the better strategy is to donate the assets directly to charity. See the following comparison:
Option 1 - Selling appreciated assets and then donating the cash to charity (less optimal) Donors (who itemize their
tax deductions) sell appreciated stock for $100,000 in order to make a donation to their favorite charity. They had purchased the stock for $15,000 several years earlier and 44
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are now subject to a 20 percent capital gains tax based on their income level. Long-term capital gains liability: $17,000 Charitable contribution and tax deduction: $83,000 Tax Savings: $19,920 (assuming a 24 percent income tax bracket)
Option 2 – Donating appreciated assets directly to a charity (optimal) Donors give the same appreciated stock valued at $100,000 directly to their favorite charity.
Long-term capital gains tax liability: $0 Charitable contribution and tax deduction: $100,000 Tax Savings: $24,000 (assuming a 24 percent income tax bracket) Note that Option 2 provides an additional $17,000 to the charity and saves the donors an additional $21,080 in taxes. *This illustration is only an example and does not take into account any state or local taxes or the Medicare net investment income surtax. Consult your tax and financial advisors before making any significant charitable gift.
Make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from Your IRA - Another great option for maximizing your charitable impact while minimizing your income tax liability is to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from traditional and other types of IRAs to qualified charities. QCDs are available to individuals who are 70 ½ and older and count essentially as taxfree charitable gifts. Once you reach the age of 72, QCDs can also be counted toward your IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). You will not receive a tax deduction for making such gifts but they will lower your AGI, thus reducing your tax liability. . Open a Donor-Advised Fund - DonorAdvised Funds (DAFs) are an excellent tool to make a charitable gift now and receive an immediate tax deduction while retaining the flexibility to give to your favorite charities of choice over time. A DAF is generally every bit as impactful as creating a private foundation but will save you the time, expense and headaches of the ongoing administrative responsibilities that go along with maintaining a private foundation. Opening a DAF through DuPage Foundation is simple and can be done by contacting any member of
our Advancement team. Once in place, your fund will be invested to grow and you will be able to recommend grants to any qualified 501(c)(3) charity of your choosing, locally or nationally. You may also designated family or other loved ones as successor advisors for your fund to continue its impact. Combine Two or More Years of Giving Into One through Gift Bunching – This is a great strategy to consider if you are “on the bubble” between itemizing and taking the standard deduction in a given tax year. By “bunching” or combining the charitable donations you typically make over one or more years into a single tax year, you can essentially “front-load” your giving to itemize your deductions for a given year to potentially enjoy greater tax savings, and then take the standard deduction in subsequent years until you are ready to repeat the process. Many people utilize this strategy in conjunction with adding to their donor-advised funds. Give Through Your Estate Plan – Not all gifts need to be made right now. Consider creating an impactful legacy by naming one or more of your favorite charities as a beneficiary of your will, trust, life insurance policy, retirement fund, or other account. You can also partner with DuPage Foundation to support your community and one or more favorite causes (local and national) through us. DuPage Foundation is your community foundation and the leading philanthropic organization in DuPage County. Established in 1986, we manage more than $125 million in assets and have awarded more than $60 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond. Individuals and organizations seeking to provide impactful support in DuPage County to address critical issues can create powerful customizable gift solutions and partnerships through DuPage Foundation. If you wish to make the most of your charitable giving, please contact us at 630.665.5556 or visit dupagefoundation.org for ways you can help SEE MORE IMPACT this “Giving Season.”
Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving
Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society
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hile the world was focused on shutdowns, restrictions and doing less, the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society (CHIW) focused on how to do more in order to achieve its goal of supporting those less fortunate. Embracing the challenges and obstacles that COVID presented, the 50-member volunteer organization pivoted quickly to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT in bigger, better ways. First up, the society increased its charming tradition of Christmas Eve luminaria by lighting up local parks in addition to the driveways and streets of Clarendon Hills. Second, it moved its annual benefit event online featuring entertainment from WGN News anchor and comedian Pat Tomasulo. Thanks to Danielle Wheeler, CHIW member and owner of Maison Cuisine, catering and decor packages were dropped at members’ homes to create a festive, yet safe,
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environment for people to celebrate and support the organization. The result? A record-breaking year where more time and money were given to Chicago’s Angel Harvey Family Health Center. More than 14,000 patients walk through the doors of the Clinic and are provided with 55,000 medical, dental and mental health care visits a year which without the Center’s support would have been out of reach to these families. Looking forward, the organization is focused on shattering records again through its annual Coat Drive with CD One Price Cleaner (OctNov), Christmas Eve Luminaria sales (Nov. 26-Dec. 24) and various social events including its massive annual gala event. New this year, the benefit event will be held on Friday, April 22 at Butterfield Country Club with a fabulously floral, garden party twist. Recently, you may have seen more than 400 witches biking the streets of Clarendon Hills donned in
adorable black T-shirts while passing out candy before Halloween. With the T-shirt design donated by Root & Bloom Chiropractic, and sold through Vintage Charm, all of the proceeds from the “witches ride” T-shirts went to the Auxiliary. This is just one of the many community give-back moments CHIW has coordinated in the past year. Right now the organization is connecting socially while supporting local businesses. From hosting coat drives at the new Open Door Tap Room and Bottleshop, to holding chapter meetings at local restaurants like Neat Kitchen and Bar, and even sponsoring a Christmas Tree in the Clarendon Hills Village, CHIW remains committed to banding together as a community and a group for the greater good. Visit https:// clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org/ where you can order luminaria kits, purchase gala tickets, donate money and learn more.
TURN FRUSTRATION INTO CONFIDENCE R or emot In e Ses -Offic sio e ns
Sarina M. Renaldi & Associates, Inc. LEARNING SPECIALIST SERVICES
Individualized Assessment and Specialized Intervention for Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities Dyslexia • Reading Comprehension • Written Language Math • ADHD/Executive Functioning • Nonverbal LD Autism Spectrum • Gifted-Enrichment Educational Consultation • Test Prep Remote or In-Office Sessions Sarina M. Renaldi, M.A., M.S.T. | 11 N GRANT ST, HINSDALE 630.323.4480 | SRENALDI@AOL.COM
Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving
A Legacy of Giving Back For the Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, helping underserved children and their families is time-honored tradition.
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fter working in the PR and publishing industries for decades, Liz Berglund decided it was time to focus on giving back. By chance, a friend invited her to a meeting at the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society and she never looked back. “After visiting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago and seeing some of the children there, it was heart wrenching,” Berglund said. “Many of them needed help and I decided on the spot that this was something I could really give my time to. I knew I had something to contribute.”
BY KERRIE KENNEDY
chapter has something unique to offer. “Our sole purpose is to raise funds and assist in any way we can, and each of the chapters use their individual strengths to accomplish that,” Berglund said. “Lake Forest hosts a massive 10day design Showhouse and Gardens, Mount Prospect has a St. Patrick’s Day Pot of Gold event, Downers Grove ties in with Eyes to the Sky, Clarendon Hills has its Light Up the Night traditional dinner dance, Hinsdale has its fabulous Tablescapes event and Wheaton-Naperville holds a Luminaria event over the holidays and a golf outing in the spring.”
added Berglund. “Most of us know someone in our personal circle that’s been touched in some way by these issues, so it’s wonderful to feel you’re contributing in some way.” Marge Tresly, co-president of the Oakbrook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society couldn’t agree more. “We’re very proud of what we do,” said Tresly, who joined the chapter in 1993. “To date, we’ve raised $4.6 million dollars for Infant Welfare to help children in need and their families receive the medical care they deserve.”
From putting ‘angel’ baby bags together to provide new moms with key infant wellness items to “After visiting the Angel Harvey spearheading food drives to That was in 2013 — families struggling with Family Health Center in Chicago and help today, Berglund is board food insecurity; preparing seeing some of the children there, it Santa gifts bags to bring advisor and co-president of the Oakbrook Chapter of cheer to overseeing was heart wrenching. Many of them holiday the Infant Welfare Society, coat drives to give warmth needed help and I decided on the an organization whose to as many patients as work never ceases to inspire the Oak Brook spot that this was something I could possible, her. Chapter of IWS volunteered really give my time to. I knew I had more than 4,000 hours last Founded in 1911, the year, not to mention raising something to contribute.” Infant Welfare Society hundreds of thousands of Chicago has provided — LIZ BERGLUND of dollars even during the quality, community-based pandemic. healthcare to children and families The Oakbrook Chapter’s big in the Greater Chicago area who fundraising event, Mistletoe Medley, According to Berglund, it’s a would otherwise lack access to basic is held after Thanksgiving every legacy that was established in 1913, medical services. Through its Angel year at Drury Lane and features when the Kenwood Chapter of the Harvey Family Health Center — a luncheon, fashion show, raffles Infant Welfare Society raised $50 established by Angel Harvey, wife and holiday showroom boutiques. for an afternoon tea. “That was just of newscaster Paul Harvey — the Proceeds help fund Infant Welfare the beginning,” she said. “In today’s organization is able to provide a Chicago’s advanced therapies, dollars, this bunch of women in broad range of services including which address autism and learning all these different chapters have well-child car, pediatric dentistry, disabilities. raised the equivalent of $140 million vision screening, women’s health and dollars for Infant Welfare Society. It’s family counseling. “We call it fundraising and friend amazing what a group of women can raising, because it’s a great way do when they harness their power.” According to Berglund, each to really get to know each other,” 48
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When you join our coffee club, each month you will receive: • One, 12oz. bag of our Special Origin of the Month • One, 12oz. bag of our Regular Coffee • One, 4oz. bag of our Blended Coffee
• And a FREE 8oz. Mug with a 6 Month Subscription
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630-537-1586 • www.cafelafortuna.com
READER FAVORITE
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Assistance League
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ssistance League has adapted our major fundraising campaigns to reflect the “new normal” of these past two years. This year our signature fundraiser Books & Brunch, held as a virtual event in November 2020, became hybrid this November. Guests were able to attend in person or through a live stream. Attendance and contributions exceeded our expectations. Our spring fundraiser “A New Start for Spring” was conducted completely online for the first time and saw higher than expected donations. “We are grateful for the continuing support we have received this year from our members and the broader community,” says Maria Garino, President.
Bell program provided new winter coats hats and gloves to over 2000 students in 30 schools and at local Head Start locations. We provided gift cards for over 500 middle school students in 11 schools to shop for the clothing they need to attend class every day. Our scholarship program for continuing College of DuPage students increased its award to $3500 and added a special scholarship opportunity for adults needing additional coursework or a certificate to make a career change. Our New Start program provided essential kitchen equipment to nearly 200 families transitioning from homelessness to independent living. We are grateful to the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club for their grant to help 50 of those families.
We have seen each of our programs grow in 2021. Our Operation School
We are introducing a new service this year called Beyond the Bell.
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Working with social workers, we have developed a list of clothing and personal care items that they would like to have available in school when student emergencies arise, providing the children with the items needed to stay comfortable and remain in the classroom. We are piloting this program with 11 schools and expect significant expansion in 2022. Assistance League is an allvolunteer organization. So, membership commitment and connection are vital to our success. The restrictions on in-person gatherings have been a challenge which we have addressed with Zoom and hybrid meetings, online and outdoor social events, and weekly communications to keep members informed and connected.
Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving
Bridge Communities
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e were delighted to hold a series of events this year, using outdoor and socially-distanced formats, as well as hybrid and virtual events. These activities continued to forge connections between the courageous families we serve and the compassionate individuals in the community who journey alongside our families and help empower them to achieve success. In June, we launched our first Wine Women & Shoes event, which had been delayed for a more than a year due to the pandemic. We were thrilled to debut this long-awaited afternoon at Ruth
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Lake Country Club, where guests enjoyed a high-energy fashion show, shopping, raffles, auctions, wine tastings and so much more—all to benefit the families served by Bridge Communities. The event raised an unprecedented $215,000 and we are looking forward to holding this event once more in Spring 2022! In 2022, we plan to evolve our housing portfolio and program services to develop a service model to stabilize families in a shorter timeframe and serve as a bridge and/or feeder into our Transitional Housing Program. Our employment services programs will formalize education and training options for non-traditional and tradesman job
opportunities. We are continuing to host continuing education for our volunteers via our Mentor University classes. These classes have included topics such as Motivational Coaching, Mentoring During COVID-19 and more. We hosted a virtual volunteer appreciation event, One Heart, One Bridge. We connected with mentors via town-hall meetings to gather insights and recommendations for program evolution. And, we’ve recently created a full-time Volunteer Coordinator staff position, which will increase our engagement with our volunteers in the coming year!
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Candor Health Education
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andor Health Education continued providing school-based health education during the pandemic to ensure that young people received time sensitive prevention information Communities experienced increased youth mental health needs and more teens experimented with alcohol and drugs to deal with anxiety/stress/ boredom. We continue to raise funds so we can offer a sliding scale to help schools all over Chicagoland access our high-quality programs. Our supporters participated in our annual Golf Invitational at Ruth Lake Country Club in September 2021, and we are hosting “UNWINED: Raise a Glass to Health” on February 26, 2022, in Hinsdale at Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge to raise funds we can continue to serve youth in underresourced communities. Last year, our 12 health educators taught drug prevention and sex education programs to nearly 60,000 4th – 8th graders across
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eleven Illinois counties. Thankfully Candor Health Education already had a robust online Learning Management System before Covid-19 affected school-based programming. We quickly revamped our existing programs and offered live virtual and fully online learning options for schools doing remote learning or hybrid schedules. In the end, 93% of students received virtual classes last year. We tested learning results and were happy to see that students learned as much during live virtual programs as when a Candor educator was in their school classroom. We are now marketing virtual programs downstate and exploring markets in neighboring states to increase health literacy among young people. Candor Health Education drug prevention and sex education programs provide essential skill building opportunities for young people and support parents and guardians so they can better understand the unique journey of
adolescents and be ready to have ongoing conversations about avoiding risky behaviors such as sexting and marijuana use. Learn more about our unique programming and online parent resources on our website: www.candorhealthed.org You may also follow us on social media or sign up for a monthly e-newsletter to stay informed about current trends in youth drug use and protective factors that help kids become more independent while avoiding negative consequences. We are excited to offer a new program for 5th – 7th graders called “Navigating Middle School Years.” This class will be launched in 2022 and it helps students build their resilience so they can make healthy choices during this key developmental time.
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DuPagePads
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ur generous community is amazing! Since the pandemic we have received incredible support from public and private funds, to individual donors, to maintain our hotel-based emergency shelters for families and individuals. Additionally, tens of thousands of donated goods have been collected and hundreds of volunteers are helping us distribute them to keep clients fed and safely supplied on their path to housing. These accomplishments have paved the way forward to our biggest opportunity yet...an Interim Housing Center. Since March 2020, 558 individuals, including 130 children, have advanced toward housing stability in our donor supported hotel-based Emergency Housing. 244 of those clients have since transitioned to stable housing with more reaching a home of their own weekly. This approach to shelter has facilitated an 80% reduction in mental health incidents and a 75% reduction
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in physical health-related incidents including the flu and other respiratory illnesses. As of this November, 222 clients are currently in the hotel-based shelter seeking a place to call home, including 70 children, and a total of 95,427 nights of shelter have been provided including 153,347 meals. During COVID-19 our work transformed for the safety of our clients, volunteers, and community. The overwhelming positive outcomes experienced during the transition to our services have brought us to next crucial step to end homelessness: an Interim Housing Center! With the community’s support, we are working to raise funds to purchase and repurpose a Downers Grove hotel currently in our use to maintain shelter and support far beyond the pandemic. An I.H.C. will prioritize rooms for families with children, individuals with mobility issues, and those fleeing domestic violence. Parents experiencing homelessness are often reluctant to utilize congregate shelters
because they need privacy, stability, and space for their children. We are so fortunate that many of our volunteers have stayed connected to our clients and our mission despite a dangerous pandemic. From virtual volunteer opportunities, to creating boredom-busting kits for children in shelter, to on-site food deliveries and many other kindness projects. Our volunteers are the ones keeping our spirits up and lifting the hearts and lives of our clients so they may restore their hope and go on to be successful. They truly are the key to our solutions for ending homelessness and we could not do our vital work without them. Your help can keep more families and individuals safely housed tonight and for many years to come. Please consider signing up to volunteer at https://volunteer.dupagepads.org or providing a gift and learning about the Interim Housing Center Campaign opportunities at www.dupagepads. org/donate.
Happy Holidays On behalf of my family and staff, we wish you health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year!
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District 181 Foundation
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he District 181 Foundation saw growth in our business partnerships and strong support from parents, especially through our Staff Appreciation program which reflected the appreciation so many have felt for the impressive efforts put forth last year by District 181 staff members as they made the best of the difficult situation. The District 181 Foundation was able to adapt all of our programming for students, teachers and parents to meet the challenges presented by COVID. Our biggest accomplishment in 2021 was to develop a Young Writers Program that resulted in a hardcover book of student reflections about 2020. 239 student writers and artists participated in this six-month project, which included working with a teacher mentor, attending special webinars with youth authors, and an opportunity for students to
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be videoed reading their work. It culminated in a joint exhibit with the Hinsdale Historical Society at Immanuel Hall about the 2020 experience. To help enhance student learning we funded a Math Assistance Hotline for homework help, hosted a virtual middle school student art exhibit, and offered special STEM programming for elementary students. To support the work of teachers, we funded professional development opportunities focused on making remote learning more engaging and effective. Recognizing the heightened levels of stress and anxiety seen throughout the community, we helped fund webinars for parents which addressed these topics. The Community Speaker Series webinars brought four nationally renown speakers to our community to discuss important issues in education, student social and emotional development, and parenting.
In 2022 we will be introducing the Community Connection. This program will provide community members an opportunity to share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with District 181 students. This special resource will give students the opportunity to learn directly from experts, teachers a resource they can use to enhance and augment their lessons, and community members a meaningful way to share what they know with our youth. District 181 Foundation board members spirits remain high because we have embraced the challenge to rapidly adapt and respond to the needs that have emerged in the past two years. We have redefined existing programs, developed new ones, and adjusted funding priorities. We look enthusiastically toward 2022 and making meaningful contributions to the educational experience of all District 181 students.
Hinsdale Humane Society
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he Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center operated by Hinsdale Humane Society has powered through a year of challenging COVID aftershocks. Fewer spay/ neuter surgeries during the pandemic and an increase in strays and surrenders has resulted in a surge of homeless pets. In response, we have created new programs and more ways to help solve these issues and support community members in need. Because we believe we are stronger together, our medical team has been providing other rescue groups with discounted spay/neuter surgeries. Our goal is to help combat the current deficit of veterinarians performing these procedures that are vital to keeping pet populations manageable. With an increase in strays and surrendered pets, special adoption and social media promotions are helping us find new homes for
these animals. Additionally, we brought our low-cost, basic pet care clinics and pet food pantries, to communities in need to help keep pets in their homes. The implementation of special endowment funds and programs have helped our fundraising goals in the past year. One new fund was created by a caring family, in memory of a wonderful young man. The Zach Leathers Emergency Medical Fund provides vital care for special needs animals, allowing them to live full and happy lives. A new program, launched on Veteran’s Day, 2021, is a fitting legacy to a cherished HHS Board member. The BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets nurtures the healing powers of the human animal bond and provides ongoing support to our military veterans and active duty servicemen, women and military families. The Gebauer Family hosted their annual Golf Outing to benefit our
animals in memory of their sweet daughter, Heidi. And our Match Me Up Cat Campaign, funded by Vinaya Sharma, has helped dozens of harder to adopt cats find homes. Additionally, grants, medical appeals, sponsorships and memberships help fund our work, as do numerous fundraising events and our online store. Volunteers are our lifeblood and we are consistently in awe of them. We’ve been fortunate to welcome many new ones this year. In all we do, we make sure to thank them in every way we can think of. Without them, we could not do what we do. Similarly, we would not be here without the support of our generous donors and friends. While we celebrate the victories from another tough year, we acknowledge with gratitude that none of it is possible without the support of our generous and caring community.
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Loaves & Fishes
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oaves & Fishes celebrated the grand opening of its new food distribution hub in Aurora that will serve a substantial amount of unmet need in our community. This additional location will allow them to serve three times the amount of people by expanding its geographic service area to Kane and Kendall counties in addition to DuPage and Will. The hub will act as a distribution, storage, processing, and fulfillment center providing food to its spokes such as the Loaves & Fishes shopping market at 1871 High Grove Lane, its satellite location in Bolingbrook, as well as its home delivery program to homebound seniors. The new hub and spoke model will provide more options for clients to receive food. Families will be able to get the food they need by shopping in the market, picking up food in curbside service format, and through the soon to come online ordering system. “This opening of our new facility
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and evolution to a hub and spoke model are game changers for Loaves & Fishes and our community,” says Mike Havala, President and CEO of Loaves & Fishes. “Together, we are truly making a lasting impact for years to come.”
CARES programs. With Loaves & Fishes' cooperative buying power, $1 can purchase $8 worth of food.
The Loaves & Fishes CARES Programs provide additional resources to help struggling families with essential needs such as rent or utility payment assistance. As a result of the pandemic, emergency assistance has nearly doubled in the last year.
Car Donations: Loaves & Fishes is always in need of donated cars. Lack of reliable transportation is a barrier to employment or childcare.
“We are so very grateful and feel so humbled and blessed to have received this gift of assistance for our family! Thank you for looking out and caring so much for our family and our community! – L&F Client
Giving Opportunities Food Distribution & Cares Program Support: Financial gifts of any size are deeply appreciated and will help the hundreds of families that come each week for grocery assistance and
Virtual Food Drive: Visit our website to purchase healthy food products at discounted prices that are most needed by clients.
Volunteer Opportunities: Join the Loaves & Fishes family as a volunteer. Your time is very valuable in the fight to end hunger. Sorting food, distributing food, and connecting clients to available resources can be very beneficial and rewarding. Corporate Work Groups: Loaves & Fishes is a great place to bring employees for a group service opportunity. Corporate workgroups assist at our new hub preparing food for distribution. For all giving opportunities, visit loavesfishes.org
HCS Family Services
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or the past 84 years, HCS Family Services has worked to impact our community by providing groceries to our neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity. During the pandemic, services shifted from in-person shopping to curbside distribution at both our Hinsdale pantry and our pantry at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School in Willowbrook.
There are three significant ways you can help HCS Family Services help those in need. First, you can donate—every $1 donation buys $8 of groceries. Second, you can host a food drive. Third, you can volunteer—we rely on 100 volunteers per week to
distribute groceries to our hungry neighbors. We rely on donations all year long to provide healthy food to those in need. Monthly donations allow you to provide reliable, financial support with minimum administrative work. To donate, please visit our website at hcsfamilyservice.org, click the donate now icon, and choose your amount and payment method.
for volunteers to help us pick up food from our retail partners on weekday mornings, but we have many volunteer opportunities to choose from on our website. To be a volunteer, please visit our website at www.hcsfamilyservices.org. This year, we are serving an average of 240 families per week.
A food drive is a labor of love. We always have a list of our most needed items so please call us at 630323-2500 to learn how your food drive can have the most impact. Currently, our most needed items are diapers—adult and baby, brown grocery bags, pasta and sauce, and peanut butter. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. We are looking HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Pillars Community Health
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espite being unable to host in-person events since early 2020, Pillars Community Health has maintained our fundraising efforts virtually including a Dine with Distance event, trivia night, cocktail making class and a celebration of our 100th Anniversary which included wine and charcuterie pairings from local restaurant, The Elm. We look forward to our Century Celebration on April 8, 2022. We have had successful mail campaigns throughout the year. We appreciate the generous community members who have helped increase donations during this very challenging year. As we begin our second century, our staff has truly risen to the challenge of fulfilling our vision of “communities where all people have access to the care they need, when they need it”. Throughout 2021, their care and commitment brought individuals and families access to
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the full range of physical and mental health services needed to get and stay healthy, as well as ensuring that those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault received critically needed support and care. Pillars Community Health continued to provide a continuum of care including both in-person and virtual services for those needing medical and dental services, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder services, psychiatry, domestic violence shelter and support, advocacy for sexual assault survivors, and bereavement support. Addressing needs brought on by the pandemic included providing over 9700 COVID tests and 6700 vaccinations. Successes in the face of these continued challenges also includes tireless outreach and education to help community members connect to in-person and online resources to support resiliency and coping skills.
The quick pivot to telehealth services, increase in community behavioral health needs, and commitment to diversity, racial equity, lay a strong foundation for Pillars Community Health in 2022 and beyond. We will continue to strengthen their telehealth capabilities, including addition of telehealth suites in all PCH locations, to support those who do not have the needed technology or private location for behavioral health or specialty care visits. “Serenity Spaces” have recently been added to two PCH locations, to provide peaceful respite space to domestic violence clients. In 2021, PCH launched an innovative Trauma Informed/Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion assessment, training and planning process. We will continue on this journey in 2022 to ensure that internal and external efforts are rooted in addressing trauma and systemic racism. We appreciate and are inspired by our volunteers who steadfastly share their talents and skills. For example, our Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline trained volunteers respond to after hours and weekend hotline calls, making a difference in someone’s life with each interaction. During these challenging times, we have provided additional continuing education opportunities, invitations to our social justice activism events, virtual book clubs, and shared special gifts of appreciation. Our SA volunteer coordinator has one on one listening sessions with individual volunteers to provide added support. Pillars Community Health appreciates the strong support of community partners, organizations, and individuals who share the mission of improving the health of our communities and empowering individuals through compassionate, whole person care.
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The Community House
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ealing and recovery have been the focus of The Community House staff and board throughout 2021. Despite the pandemic, The Community House remained the center of community involvement and activity as we focused on helping provide safe outlets for individuals of all ages to engage. Even though we are masked and distanced, we are still finding ways to provide human connections and a sense of normalcy when families need us most. Through the arts, athletics, summer camps, science classes, and more, we brought people together to live full and healthy lives. Our community rallied around the legacy and the love for theater of the late Dick Johnson, a Life Trustee,
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and raised more than $50,000 for theater improvements for the next generation of performer to enjoy. We needed the support of our donors during this challenging time of reduced services and through the annual fund, the Walk for Mental Health, and the Holiday Ball, donors and friends stepped up to support our mission because the pandemic reminded people how important connection and engagement truly can be. This support allowed us to serve over 100 counseling clients on a sliding scale, with 70% of those clients being under age 23 and without adequate health insurance. The generosity of our donors also allowed us to flex our day care programming to the low-income and unincorporated Willowbrook
Corner neighborhood to be full day, half day, or after school as the school schedule rapidly changed. One Willowbrook Corner parent shared, “Without The Community House offering day care when the school schedule kept changing each week, there is no way I could have kept my job.” We’ve listened to the residents in Willowbrook Corner and in 2022 we are planning to expand our services to include equitable access to both youth mental health services and recreation, athletic, and arts programming. All families, regardless of their income level or zip code, want the same things for their families and with the support of donors, we can provide bright futures for our neighbors in unincorporated DuPage County.
Wellness House
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ince the pandemic began, our fundraising events have evolved from a completely virtual Walk in June of 2020 to our most recent in-person event, Under One Sky for Wellness House this past October, occurring simultaneously at three locations. Our 2020 Ball…at your house gave guests the opportunity to gather in small, intimate groups while still supporting our cause and viewing our virtual program, and the Walk in 2021 gave additional options and locations for participation. We are encouraged by the community’s unwavering support of all of our fundraising efforts. While fundraising is the primary goal of our events, community building and advancing our mission is also critically important. Thinking outside the box of our traditional event models has allowed our events to reach and inspire new audiences and also achieve record breaking
fundraising and attendance. We have learned that offering choices and flexibility surrounding how and where participants can support our events has been both essential and financially successful. At the start of the pandemic, all programs moved online and we were able to provide uninterrupted cancer support which increased access to anyone affected by cancer. In FY 21, over 47,527 visits were made to online programs. Wellness House now offers over 500 online and inperson programs each month. In 2022, participants will be able to choose from online, in-person and on-demand programming. Wellness House anticipates increasing the number of in-person programs. Participants can choose from a variety of programs such as nutrition, exercise, information and education, stress management and support and family counseling. Many programs are now presented
in Spanish. Over the past year, Wellness House has provided opportunities for our volunteers to help out virtually such as taking attendance on our Zoom programs, leading our kids in Halloween tongue twisters at our Spooky Spectacular, and providing distant reiki. It’s been important to keep our volunteers engaged with our participants and our mission. We recognized a group of volunteers at Giving DuPage's Volapalooza which is an annual award ceremony for volunteers in DuPage County. Wellness House is thankful for all the volunteers who have helped through virtual programming, special events, fundraising events and in-person programming. For volunteers who haven't yet been able to return to their previous role, we asked them to buy a gift for our kids’ Polar Express event--and they stepped up in a big way: buying 45 gifts in 2 hours!
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Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club
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JWC was focused on being flexible and creative, as our club leaders shifted and changed along with fluid state guidelines and restrictions over the last year. Although at the beginning of the year we did not know what would be possible, the Club rose up and overcame all obstacles and made it one of the most successful club years in HJWC history. Club membership increased from a handful of prior years to 206 members. The Education Committee raised $8,000 and awarded two educational scholarships to philanthropic-minded high school seniors. Our Juniorettes program expanded to 42 members, with the girls volunteering and leading various drives to benefit local not-for-profits, including collecting over 4,000 pounds of food for HCS Family Services. Our 2021 year’s annual benefit originally entitled “Platinum Unplugged” was set to take place in Chicago, but due to the pandemic, the concept changed. The fundraising event was renamed “Platinum Unplugged: The Remix” and took place at Burdi Clothing in Hinsdale. Over 200 people attended the event where 50 people at a time would attend 1-hour shifts, to remain in compliance with state health guidelines. Attendees walked the red carpet, sipped drinks, and enjoyed the 360-degree glam cam. Including benefit,
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the club raised over $305,000 in the 20202021 club year which was awarded to 27 grant recipients, including, Center for Independence, Hephzibah Children’s Association, New Moms, Reclaim 13, Hope’s Front Door, Loaves & Fishes, Share Our Spare, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Bear Necessities, WINGS Program, Green Halo Scholars, Amith Health, IMD Guest House Foundation, People’s Music School, Northeast DuPage Family & Youth Services, The Chicago Lighthouse, Simply from the Heart, All Our Children’s Advocacy Center, Sharing Connections, The Home 2 Home Project, Child’s Voice, Wellness House, Helping Hands, Lutheran Child & Family Services, Almost Home Kids, Above & Beyond Family Recovery Center, and Assistance League Chicagoland West. Other notable events included the annual Gift of the Season event hosted by Outreach in a new, outdoor drive-thru format, a Haunted Halloween DriveThru and Santa Zoom Calls hosted by Family Affairs, a St. Patty’s Day event hosted by Social (the Holiday Party was cancelled due to the pandemic), and a Family Love Letters virtual event hosted by Fine Arts featuring Artist Maureen Claffey. The club also continued to serve its community by completing service hours with various charities through Philanthropy Service Projects. In 2022, we are continuing to offer both
virtual and in-person service projects and are continuing to focus on fundraising to support area nonprofit grant requests. Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club raises money during each Club year to support nonprofit grant requests for tangible goods that will help the nonprofit better serve the people they are helping and the organization. It was the first year to offer a virtual option for club meetings and events. Since gathering numbers were limited to 10-50 people at different points throughout the year, the virtual option quickly became very popular and successful among the membership. It was also the first year of “member meetups”, which were created to provide social opportunities to the members in smaller groups, since HJWC had to remain compliant with regulations, prioritized keeping its members healthy, and wanted to make our members feel safe. Philanthropy Grant Presentations were completely held online, as well. Our goal was to meet our membership where they felt comfortable being, and provide as many opportunities for connection to the club and community as possible. Our creativity in 2020-2021 generated amazing momentum and we are excited for what lays ahead for the 2021-2022 Club year. To learn more about HJWC or how to support our grant fundraising for local nonprofits, please visitHJWC.us.
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