Fundraising & Friendship

MistletoeMadley2022-35196

Oak Brook Infant Welfare Fashion Show Success

By Oak Brook Magazine Staff

Allison Rosati, Master of Ceremonies

This year, the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago marks its 50th anniversary. Decade after decade, hundreds of women have gathered 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 the 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 the 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.” “My favorite part is the renewal of friendships and familiar faces again and again. It is very powerful to realize that a lot of money can be raised because so many people believe and care. You can feel it in the room. I see people returning because they want to help make a difference in the lives of people who need help.

Pictures front row from L-R, Nancy Nielsen, Heidi Hulzenga, Kim Landego, Merry Cheng. Second row from L-R, Linda Giordano, Laura Sterling, Nancy Aman, Mary Bergstrom, Wendy Tu

Lisa Hutcherson at fashion show 2022

There is a genuine kindness involved.” Allison added, “If you haven’t attended Mistletoe Medley, plan to do so next year. You won’t be disappointed!” Chapter Co-Presidents Marge Tresley and Linda Layland agree and feel fortunate the benefit has a loyal following in the Oak Brook area and far beyond. Marge says, “From the moment our Event Committee began planning this year’s fundraiser, it was all about our 50th anniversary and the people who enabled us to reach this remarkable milestone, starting with the name itself, ‘Hearts of Gold’, a well-deserved tribute to our members, donors, and friends.” Linda continues, “This celebratory mindset affected every aspect of Mistletoe Medley, including our invitations and Ad Book, raffles, centerpieces, our Holiday Boutique, and the fashion show.

Left to right: Linda Layland and Marge Tresley, Oak Brook Chapter Co-Presidents, with Liz Berglund, Auxiliary Co-President

Models show off latest fashions

We wanted this event to reflect the occasion’s significance — to be one for the record books — and we think it was.” The group also expanded its fundraising horizons with a “Giving Week” from December 10-17 among Oakbrook Center locations: C. D. Peacock, Kendra Scott, Lilly Pulitzer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and Antico Posto. Chapter members are understandably proud to mark a half-century of fundraising and friendship. They say hosting an event that brings people together to do good, feel good, and make a difference is a wonderful feeling. Auxiliary Co-President Liz Berglund added that the Chapter’s fundraising has enabled the Infant Welfare Society’s Angel Harvey Family Health Center to considerably expand medical, dental, and child development services. Last year, the Center served nearly 13,000 patients with a wide spectrum of services such as the CHAT Program that provides customized care for children with developmental delays, orthodontia, the new AngelBaby program for mothers/ newborns care, and Comer Sano (Eat Healthy). This program helps high-risk children address obesity before it becomes a lifelong issue.

*Photos by Marcello Rodarte

Author

Photo-1-Lauren-Lakeberg-at-Pine-Nursery-Bend-OR-e1715530979167

Lauren Lakeberg blends a love of photography, nature, and disc golf to create a niche business

Mertz-and-Mochel

Anchor on Main Street: Remembering Mochel’s Hardware

mwh-1677

Dr. Karen Wolowick & Dr. Susan Mitchell

2-Michael-Halkias1167-copy-e1715529845934

Dr. Michael Halkias – Naper Grove Vision Care

DG-BEAM

Beaming on the Beam: Three DG gymnasts finish in the top 10 in the state balance beam event

Roger-Bain_Photo-2-e1715528742214

Three local authors work themselves into three interesting and diverse book genres

laura-tang-9AwSPN41C8U-unsplash

The Thrill of the Dill: The unexpected rise of Pickleball

Parrillo-Spring-Break-WDW-e1715457158113

Vacation Mode: Local readers out and about on spring break

Untitled-1-e1715456166797

Center Stage: Dan Aykroyd at Oakbrook Center’s Wonderverse

DSC_4021

DuPage Pads

1.-Guiding-Dg-Kick-Off-Celebration-Residents-Rich-and-Debbie-Barker-display-their-input-postcard

Guiding DG Kick-Off Celebration

Priority-3-Photo-e1709411820253

Roadrunners Soccer Club