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

Ahmed will graduate from HCHS this spring and hopes to study law.

Model Student

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Rustic Elegance

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Music and Mentorship

OB Cover + HM - Sophia Ibrahim - 1W

In Harmony

HM OB DG EM - Home Upgrades - W

Renovations Worth Every Dollar

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Home Organizing Trends

HM OB DG EM - Homes Through the Decades - W

Built for the Times

Candid photo of the original creator of the technique used explaining the process and showing on his phone

Laying the Foundation

Fair captured the
atmosphere and key moments at the Rotary GroveFest in Downers Grove this past summer.

Behind the Lens

Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (CHIW) is composed of 50 volunteers who are dedicated to fundraising and supporting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago. <br><i>Photos courtesy of the CHIW Light Up the Night Masquerade Ball in 2025</i>

A Gala for Giving

Sunday Funday players run a play in flag football last fall

Just Having Fun

Winners of Chef Showdown 2025: Garry Smith, General Manager, VAI’s Naperville; Karen Wells, Participant Sous Chef, Make-A-Wish Foundation; Kyle Koller, Participant Head Chef, Entourage Naperville; Dustin Wilson, Participant Sous Chef, Wellness House; and Sandy Georganas, Guest and Partner, VAI’s and Entourage Hospitality Group

Chef Showdown