Western Suburbs Giving Circle

WSGC-kickoff-21

The Western Suburbs Giving Circle of the Chicago Foundation for Women invited current and prospective members to kick off another year of grantmaking at their “Cocktails for a Cause” event at Lifetime Fitness Oak Brook on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The group aimed to lay the groundwork for increasing investment in women’s health and reproductive justice, economic well-being, and safety from violence in the western suburbs. Since 2016, WSGC awarded over $245,000 to local organizations addressing the needs of women and girls.

As part of a nationwide movement in women’s philanthropy, WSGC continues to amplify women’s voices and advocate for their needs through grants that create meaningful impact and improved lives.

Dena Byrd

➁ Tracy Hough, Monica Thorns, and a guest of the organization

Isabel Anderson and Josefina Navar attended on behalf of HOPE Fair Housing

Julie Olafson (Co-Chair), Elyse Kennard-Leavy (Member), Keenya Lambert (President & CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women), Dena Byrd (Member), Kendra Hyett (Co-Chair)

Laura Kaufman and Jennifer Rosenkranz

Author

Dr. Christine Snow, Dr. Sherif Albert, Dr. Amy Feller

Esplanade Dental Care

Gabe Fiascone and Rayyan Abuhilal
<br><i>Photo by Victor Hilitski</i>

The Scent of Success

DGCover_1_web

Then & Now

Jim and Landon Thome share a moment on the field at Rate Field following Landon’s selection by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. 
<br><i>Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox</i>

Thome Feels White Sox Draft

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Honoring DuPage’s Best Educators

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The Reshaping of Real Estate

A bronze statue of Officer Ella French and her dog, Bella, was dedicated in Wentworth Park in 2025.

Remembering Ella French

LuxuryHome_1_web

Luxury at Home

 Kuh's watercolor landscape plans are works of art in themselves.

A Legend Etched in Landscape

Hole 17 on the famed Medinah Country Club Course No. 3 
<br><i>Photo by Nick Novelli Photography / Medinah Country Club</i>

Chicagoland: The Quiet Golf Capital of the World

Buckingham Fountain<br><i>
Photo by Stephen Walker</i>

A Guide to Some of the Oldest Places in Chicago

Chute

Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy