Photos by Victor Hilinski

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.

The runway was a perfect setting for a ballet performance of “The Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker.

Everyone was reminded by Master of Ceremonies Allison Rosati that the proceeds go directly to provide healthcare for nearly 13,000 patients in Chicago. All in all, the event was, indeed, a magical dream come true. ■

Kelly Clifford, Christine Marzullo and Jaclyn Cantore

Diane Pesce, Paula Mulhern, Andrea Gambill, Caroline Ascher, Alisa Hodneland, and Polly Ascher