In The News
Empowering Families, Nurturing Futures
From single mothers facing insurmountable odds to families grappling with the we weight of financial insecurity, everyone who uses the resources of IWS Family Health carries a unique story of struggle and triumph. This is why the efforts of the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society (HIWS), along with the other seven chapters is so critical.
HIWS was the inaugural Chapter founded more than a century ago to assist families in need. It consists of a tight knit group of 60 volunteers deeply committed to fundraising and aiding IWS Family Health, which serves the patients at the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago. The Center serves entire families, not just infants and children, with a continuum of full-service integrated, quality and preventative healthcare services. They also recently opened a pharmacy to further expand their on-site services. The Center is witness to the resilience of mothers who emerge from broken homes, single parenthood or teenage pregnancies, often have nowhere else to turn, find solace and support within their walls.
Tablescapes 2024
More than 400 guests packed the Drake Oak Brook Hotel in early March for the Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society’s Tablescapes Ooh La La event for an afternoon of shopping, bidding and dining.
All proceeds benefit the Angel Harvey Family Health Center located in Logan Square in downtown Chicago.
The center provides high-quality medical dental, vision and mental health services to children and adults and impact on the lives of thousands of Chicagoland women and families who need critical healthcare services.
For more information on the Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society, and their fundraising and support of the Angel Harvey Family Health Center, please visit hinsdaleiws.com
Volunteering . . .
Volunteering has provided resident key to community
After five moves, Kassandra Fisher and her family settled down in Hinsdale in 2018 to put down lasting roots. She quickly sought out service opportunities to connect with her new neighbors.
“The best way to meet people is just to jump right in and get involved,” Fisher said.
She accepted an invitation to attend Tablescapes, the annual fundraiser put on by the Infant Welfare Society-Hinsdale Auxiliary. She went away not only introduced to network of like-minded ladies but also to a cause that touched her heart.
“I was just so impressed with the event,” Fisher said. “Once I learned more about Infant Welfare, then I just thought this is not only a great event but such a great organization.”
Lake Forest Showhouse:
A Transformative Triumph
Fueled by the desire to share their best work, 33 interior designers and 8 landscape designers transform a formal Georgian estate into a wonder of a showhouse for the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago
Designed in Lake Forest for the Searle family in the late 1960s by architect Walter Frazier, the 15-room main house, seven-room coach house, and gentleman’s outbuilding, stand adjacent to Lake Forest Open Lands’ largest and oldest nature preserve. The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens opens daily for viewing May 6 through June 4, benefitting the 110-year-old Infant Welfare Society of Chicago which provides healthcare for Chicagoland’s medically underserved.
Leading with Grace
Vital Fundraising
The new pediatric vital stations at Chicago’s IWS Family Health Center are being dedicated in honor of Lake Forest’s Chrissy Davis who led the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society in raising a record amount of money through its 2023 Showhouse.
At the first meeting following one of the most successful showhouses in its chapter’s history, board members of the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society (IWS) had a surprise for their president Chrissy Davis.
Living & Giving
Mistletoe Medley
The fun and festive Mistletoe Medley luncheon presented by the Oak Brook chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary is always a highlight of the holiday season. With NBC 5 News Anchor Alison Rosati serving as master of Ceremonies, a gift boutique with distinctive merchandise from 30 establishments, and a mesmerizing Zzazz Productions fashion show, it’s a feast for the senses. The event, led by chapter presidents Marci Hanzlik and Kathy Sievertsen and supported by members, guests and donors raised $175,000 for IWS Family Health, where children and families receive world class medical care.
California Dreaming
It’s January in Hinsdale! You know what that means – after the New Year’s champagne glasses are washed and the holiday decorations come down, we inevitably start thinking about escaping to a warmer climate. Some of us are working on spring break plans and some of the snowbirds among us have already flown south for the winter. (Florida and Arizona, I’m lookin’ at you!)
Well, if you’re finding yourself dreaming of in-line skating on the beach like Barbie (and Ken), the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society is hosting “Tablescapes, Ooh La La” just around the corner in early March. This year’s benefit co-chairs, Linda Davis and Melissa Goebel, along with Hinsdale Auxiliary President, Kassandra Fisher, chose this year’s theme to celebrate the energy and style of Los Angeles. (This year’s date, March 10, even has a tie-in with LA’s 310 area code.)
“Last year’s event reflected on the history of art deco in Chicago. This year we wanted to bring back color and a more casual approach to glamour. What better inspiration than LA?” Davis and Goebel said
A Magical Success
Over 500 guests were treated to a splendid morning and afternoon at Drury Lane on Tuesday, November 28 for two reasons.
First, in this 51st year, the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of Infant Welfare Society reached a major milestone. Co-chairs Marci Hanzlik and Kathleen Sievertsen were proud to announce that the chapter had met a longstanding goal of raising $5,000,000 since its inception.
This year’s fundraiser alone raised well over $100,000, led by a very generous gift from Joe and Nives Rizza.
In addition to the always delicious luncheon, the thirty exhibitors available for shopping, and the always stellar fashion show, this year’s event also featured a performance by the acclaimed Salt Creek Ballet troupe
Clarendon Hills Pays Tribute to the Roaring Twenties at Annual Benefit
Clarendon Hills resident Jen Alsman has long found a deeper meaning in her chaotic life during countless hours she has spend volunteering as part of the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare (IWS) of Chicago
“Many people ask me why I still do it,” remarks Alsman during an interview with Hinsdale Living. “But the truth is that I can’t imagine not doing it. I do it as much for them as it is for me.”
Indeed, as a functional nutrition practitioner, the urge to help others better themselves has always beat heavily within the heart of Alsman. But specifically, over the past eleven years, the mother of two has found her heart beat even faster for all those that benefit from the work of the Clarendon Hills chapter of Infant Welfare Society (IWS)
A Magical Dream . . . Oak Brook Chapter to host annual Mistletoe Medley
The Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliry of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago presents its seasonal fundraiser, Mistletoe Medley on November 28 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. A longtime favorite with attendees from the western suburbs and beyond, the event attracts over 500 guests annually and features raffles, a fashion show, shopping and lunch. This year’s benefit promises to be another great success. A perennial favorite, NBC 5 News Anchor Allison Rosati returns to the podium as our Master of Ceremonies. This year’s theme, “A Magical Dream” pays homage to a holiday favorite, the Nutcracker Ballet. The event will feature a short performance by the highly renowned Salt Creek Ballet.
Hinsdale Chapter Annual Baby Shower Luncheon
The Hinsdale Auxiliary Chapter of Infant Welfare Society of Chicago gathered at Topaz in Burr Ridge for their annual Baby Shower Luncheon. Members brought thoughtful gifts including swaddle blankets, baby clothes, swings, toys, and a mountain of diapers and wipes for patients of the IWS Family Health Center.
The Power of Positivity
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” . . . GANDHI
For over 30 years, ALLISON ROSATI has appeared on television screens across the Chicago area, keeping viewers up to speed with the latest and breaking news. The NBC Chicago anchor has been honored with awards for her storics, series, and specials that impact our communities. Her bookshelf holds some serious accolades including six Emmys, a Gracie, and a Dante Award.
What does the idea of power mean to you? Power comes with great responsibility and requires integrity and humility. Power is what allows you to use your energy, personal connections, and resources to inspire and create. I believe our superpower is kindness. A great example is the Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society Auxiliary. Through events like Mistletoe Medley, these amazing women create community and have shown me and others the true meaning of sisterhood and service.
Healing Hands
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel” . . . MAYA ANGELOU
DR. LAUREN SHELTON is a chiropractor and co-owner of Rooted Chiropractic in Clarendon Hills. She alongside her husband established Root and Bloom Chiropractic in 2018 and in five years, through their commitment to focus on the well-being and growth of entire families, it’s evolved into what it is named today. Dr. Shelton is a member of the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society and is a co-organizer of a local fundraising walk for Postpartum Support International aimed at offering assistance to women with perinatal mood disorders.
‘What does the idea of power mean to you? As a female chiropractor and small business owner, the idea of power means having the ability to positively influence the health and well-being of my patients and the community. It’s about inspiring families to take control of their health and make informed decisions that feel congruent to them, which ultimately cultivates a profound sense of empowerment for them.
Lisa Decourcy
LISA DECOURCY
Is a native of the Western Suburbs and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School. Growing up she absolutely loved and cherished how her family did ‘everything together, whether it be dinners together, going to the temple, vacations around the world, or
even simple movie nights.
‘While at Western Michigan University, she met her husband, Jason. The couple made Chicago their home after marriage, spending nearly a decade in the South Loop. When their second daughter was on her way: Lisa and Jason decided it was time to reclaim their suburbanite heritage. The family landed in Clarendon Hills, where Jason’s family lived when he was born, before moving to Michigan.
Solid Skill Set
“The price we pay for being ourselves is worth it” . . . EARTHA KITT
SHELLY PERKOWSKI is an award-winning broker with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. For more than 18 years, Perkowski has served clients in the Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Oak Brook areas. Perkowski has cemented her reputation as a passionate negotiator that provides the highest level of concierge services for each of her clients. She grew up in a real estate family, with her father, a well-known home builder in Oak Brook and Hinsdale, influencing her decision to go into the business. Perkowski learned to hone not only her negotiating and sales skills, but also to truly understand what goes into building luxury homes and portfolios for signature clients—something that gives her an advantage in the everchanging real estate market.
How should women support other women? I think women need to celebrate and encourage each other. Really be each other’s cheerleaders, never underestimate the power of women connecting and supporting each other!
Clarendon Hills
On Christmas Eve, residents of Clarendon Hills light their luminara candles and “Light Up the Night!’ This wonderful tradition is associated with the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society (CHIW). In this edition of Clarendon Hills Living, we wanted to highlight this charitable organization and give you a sense or the good work they doing within the community.
Click below to read full article
Community Scene: Deco at the Drake
The Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society held its annual benefit luncheon Tablescapes 2023: Deco at the Drake on Sunday, March 12. More than 400 generous guests packed The Drake Oak Brook Hotel for an afternoon of lively shopping, bidding, and dining. This year’s theme celebrated and honored the city of Chicago, which is home to the most stunning examples of stylish and elegant art deco design.
“We are excited to share that it was a spectacular fundraising success! We are grateful to our amazing venue, sponsors, donors, boutiques, food demo partners, local businesses, and live entertainment who created a memorable experience for our guests,” said Laura Preusser, President of the IWS Hinsdale Auxiliary. “It would not have been possible without our 47 powerful volunteers who spend all year planning for Tablescapes, our namesake event.”
Tablescapes
For 25 years, local supporters of quality healthcare have enjoyed the ultimate Sunday Funday at Tablescapes, the signature fundraiser of the Hinsdale chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary.
This year, the lively event was a complete takeover of The Drake Oak Brook. The temperature outside was low but inside spirits were high as guests dropped off their raffle tickets in support of their favorite member-designed tablescapes and dressed to impress with touches of roaring 1920s flair. Funds raised will support the Infant Welfare Family Health Center.
Showhouse Showstopper
There are some houses that are special, and there are others that are spectacular. The 2023 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens promises to be the latter.
“We were looking for our next house as we were still giving tours at the last one,” says Sondra Douglass, co-chair of this signature fundraising event for the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, along with Kathy Allen and Jennifer Durburg. “When we presented this house, I knew we had a potential winner.”
Douglass’ wishes weren’t in vain.
The home at the center of this year’s event was designed by renowned architect Walter Frazier in 1969. Famous for his stylish and livable classic residences along the North Shore, Frazier’s designs are noted for their refined elegance and fresh design perspectives. Twenty-one of his homes can be found throughout Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.
7 Brilliant Decorating Ideas Spotted in Designer Showhouses This Season
Dining Room by Alexandra Kaehler at the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens
Chicago-based designer Alexandra Kaehler’s dining room at the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens makes great use of the ceiling—or the fifth wall, as designers often dub it. Whether it was through a coat of contrasting paint, a boldly patterned wallpaper, or an added architectural detail, many showhouse interiors this season drew eyes upward. Kaehler uses a plaster ceiling medallion as one part practical solution, one part sculpture. “Imagine blowing a dandelion puff. I wanted the ceiling medallion to read [as though] the petals are flying everywhere,” says Kaehler. When the light fixture is illuminated, the installation shines against the ceiling, painted in Tranquility by Benjamin Moore.
Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens 2023: See Every Room Inside the Georgian Estate
A sprawling, Walter Frazier–designed Georgian estate is home to the now open Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens 2023. Beyond the redbrick façade, dozens of interior designers have taken over the 8,000-square-foot residence, which also features two cottages, a garage, and multiple gardens overlooking a nature preserve.
7 Brilliant Decorating Ideas Spotted in Designer Showhouses This Season
The 2023 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is actually several showcases in one. In addition to the two-story, six-bedroom main building, there are a three-bedroom East Cottage and a smaller but no less stunning West Cottage set on nine spectacular acres north of Chicago. All told, 41 design and landscaping firms created spaces to benefit Chicago’s IWS Family Health.
Deco at the Drake
Whether the weather is warm and sunny or(more likely) a wintery mix, the annual Tablescapes luncheon presented by the Hinsdale Auxiliary of The IWS Family Health Auxiliary has become the
moment when many local women emerge from hibernation, ready for a beautiful day with friends. New dresses are debuted, jewelry for spring break trips is snapped up at vendor tables, and a festive spirit fills the air.
Tablescapes made its debut in the 1990s and auxiliary members work hard each year to carry beloved traditions forward while also imbuing the afternoon with fresh thrills.
This year’s benefit co-chairs Linda Davis and Melissa Goebel along with Hinsdale Auxiliary president Laura Preusser chose this year’s theme, “Deco at the Drake” to celebrate and honor the city of
Chicago, which is home to the most stunning examples of stylish and elegant art deco design. The date, 3.12, is a nod to our beloved city and cultural hub.
Take a Tour of the Lake Forest Showhouse
Our chapter’s largest biennial fundraiser, The Lake Forest Showhouse, is on! Starting with our Bare Bones party on Wednesday, February 8 where LFIWS members can bring guests to view the Showhouse before designers start their work. On May 5, we will host the LF Showhouse Preview Party. This event historically hosts over 500 people. The party will be tented on the grounds of the Showhouse with food stations and a tequila launch being sponsored by John des Rosiers, chef and restauranteur. We will also have live music and tours of the house. On Monday, May 8, we will host a lecture and book signing with our Showhouse Honorary Chairs, Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon- internationally known interior designers from New York. The Showhouse will be open to the public from Saturday, May 6 through Sunday, June 4th. Tickets can be purchased on our website LakeForestShowhouse.com.
Light Up The Night
The Clarendon Hills Chapter absolutely blew their fundraising goal out of the water for their annual “Light Up the Night” benefit on January 27th. Held at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, the event was a sellout with over 330 attendees. The live and silent auctions were extremely successful and everyone had a blast! The goal was to raise $100,000 for the night of the event and they believed they exceeded that goal – stay tuned for the reveal! This was an amazing effort by the entire team!
Fundraising & Friendship
This year, the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the IWS Family Health marks its 50th anniversary. Decade after decade, hundreds of women have gather at Drury Lane the Tuesday after Thanksgiving for its signature fundraiser fashion show, Mistletoe Medley, showing their support for children and families in need.
The Oak Brook Chapter reports that its 2022 “Hearts of Gold” event, held on November 29, raised over $170,000, bringing the group’s cumulative donations to Infant Welfare Society to an astounding $5 million in 50 years.
For over a decade, Allison Rosati, a well known media personality and anchor of NBC 5 Nightly News has served as Master of Ceremonies.
She speaks warmly and knowledgeably about the Oak Brook Chapter and Mistletoe Medley. “The most important driving force for me is the sense of community at the event. It struck me the first time I emceed the event. My immediate reaction was WOW, this is really big.”
Living and Giving
The Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society Auxiliary puts the fun in fundraising with their annual shopping, fashion show, and luncheon extravaganza. The year’s theme “Hearts of Gold” paid tribute to the organization’s members who raised over $200,000 for IWS Family Health. This money ensures that children, women and men have access to high-quality health care, dental care and mental health care.
Power Women
