MISSION OF HOPE

North Shore Ladies Luncheon on June 4 benefits WINGS programs for families experiencing domestic violence.

Gather your friends next weekend for a garden party that can make a difference in the lives of many as WINGS, Illinois’ largest agency offering services for families and individuals experiencing domestic violence, hosts its North Shore Ladies Luncheon fundraiser.

The second annual benefit will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, at the Westmoreland Country Club, 2601 Old Glenview Road in Wilmette. The elegant garden party organized by co-chairs and North Shore residents Maria Shideler and Renee Zipprich provides an opportunity to learn more about a cause that touches the lives of one out of three women.

2022 North Shore Ladies Luncheon co-chairs Maria Shideler and Katherine Banich.

“For too long domestic violence has been shrouded in secrecy,” says Shideler. “In addition to raising funds, the North Shore Ladies Luncheon also builds awareness of both the challenges and solutions that are vital to supporting survivors of domestic violence.”

One graduate of the WINGS two-year program, Michelle, will share her story of escaping domestic violence by going to a WINGS Safe House and explain how WINGS has helped her and her children enjoy a life free from abuse. Her story reflects the way that domestic violence affects the lives of families. In fact, children comprise 62 percent of residents in WINGS safe houses.

WINGS has an unmatched success rate in helping women like Michelle. Last year, 100 percent of adults who completed the WINGS two-year program, which includes housing, did not return to their abuser, and were able to heal while seeking employment and starting a savings account. In 2022, WINGS provided more than 107,000 nights of safe shelter, a 67 percent increase over 2021, and served 984 clients, a 30 percent increase over the previous year.

“The North Shore community has really rallied around the WINGS mission,” says Zipprich. “When people learn more about the impact of domestic violence, which often is hidden from friends and neighbors, and about the powerful change that WINGS programs help survivors achieve, they really want to help.” Continuing this momentum in the community, guests also will learn more about the formation of the WINGS North Short Leadership Council to be launched later in June.

Suzanne Le Mignot, anchor and reporter for CBS Channel 2, will emcee the program in the elegant garden setting of the Westmoreland Country Club. Guests can enjoy a pop-up shop by Glencoe boutique LuxLab, complimentary lipstick from PerlaRose Beauty and a chance to win a photographic portrait from Light Drawn Studios. Guests can also purchase raffle tickets to win prizes including six days at a luxury resident in Blue Sky Montana, sports tickets and more.

WINGS four resale shops will benefit from gently used fine clothing and accessories that guests bring to the benefit. WINGS Resale Stores continued to flourish in 2022, generating over $2.4 million in revenue during the fiscal year with all profits benefitting WINGS.

The luncheon host committee comprises Ann Marie Allman, Jackie Blackett, Katie Buckley, Margaret Chaffee, Milena Djankovich, Nicole Goven, Shelby Hasten, Beth Kauffman, Katie King, Megan Kieras, Karen O’Brien, Natalie Romano, Tanya Scandariato, and Claire Winnard. Event sponsors include Allstate, Melissa and Mike Canning, Ready Rocker, Tom Stringer Design Partners, and The Little Gym Chicago.

The North Shore Ladies Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, at Westmoreland Country Club, 2601 Old Glenview Road in Wilmette. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased at wingsprogram.com/northshoreladies-luncheon/