The Doings Western Springs

Guests, animals enjoy a ‘Whirl’

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:39:29 -0500

Animals and guests rubbed elbows and noses at the 32nd annual Whirl at the Brookfield Zoo on April 20. Hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, in partnership with the Society’s Board of Trustees, this year’s black-tie fundraiser “Animals around the Whirl,” highlighted the Society’s legacy of animal care, conservation, and education. It was chaired by Romana Malinowski of Hinsdale. Approximately 625 business and civic leaders had the opportunity to get up close and mingle with a variety of amazing exotic creatures from Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Ambassador Program, including a spotted genet, wallaby, two-toed sloth, and tamandua, …

Home + Aid Derby Day snags a win

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:06:01 -0500

The hats came out, glasses were lifted and the sun shone at the Kentucky Derby Post Party on May 4 at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale, hosted by the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Children’s Home + Aid. “The event was hugely successful,” said Alyssa Guido, publicity chair. Eric Ferguson, morning host at WTMX, stepped up as celebrity host. Ann Bynam, Jill Rasmussen and Stephanie Silva served as event co-chairmen. Guido noted that one of the highlights of the evening was a speech given by a Hinsdale boy who was adopted from Home + Aid. “He really helped people understand what …

Get ready to Party for Pillars

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:39:51 -0500

Ready for a month of fun? Pillars is gearing up for its popular Party for Pillars extravaganza, held throughout June. Festivities will kick off on June 6 with a cocktail reception hosted by Mark Suppelsa of WGN-Channel 9, the honorary chair of the 2014 Pillars Ball. Suppelsa will announce the twelve finalists for the Pillars Talent Showcase, to be held on June 22 at LTHS Reber Center. Returning for the 15th year is the popular Pillars House Tour on June 9 from 1-4 p.m featuring three unique homes in La Grange and LaGrange Park. On June 12 head to Acquisitions …

In Loving Tribute: LOSS Blossoms of Hope

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:39:42 -0500

“The message is one of hope, that when a person’s life has been impacted by a death from suicide, there is hope in the future, ” said the Rev. Charles T. Rubey at the 22nd annual “Blossoms of Hope” LOSS brunch on April 28 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Rub is the founder of the LOSS, Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide, a non-denominational support group under the auspices of Catholic Charities. Some 900 people attended the event, which raised $90,000 for suicide outreach. Emcee Monica Pedersen, host of HGTV, explained how LOSS helped her. “I lost my twin …

Nazareth honors Fine Arts

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:40:01 -0500

Nazareth Academy inducted six new members into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame on April 25, prior to the opening night of the spring production of “Legally Blonde, the Musical!” The inductees were chosen based on their significant contribution to the arts while at Nazareth. Honorees include: Sr. Peggy Reynolds CSJ (Class of 1961)—Outstanding Educator; Joel Hamilton (Class of 1997)—Outstanding Graduate; Frederick Pienkos (Class of 1991)—Outstanding Graduate; Florence Ann Romano (Class of 2004)—Outstanding Graduate; and Madeline and William Thornton—Outstanding Friends of the Arts.~. …

OnQ calendar

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:20:46 -0500

Graue Mill’s annual Fine Arts Festival Graue Mill and Museum will host a Fine Arts Festival on June 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature exhibiting area artists. Admission to the Fine Arts Festival is free. Regular rates apply for admission to the Museum, which is located at the intersection of York and Spring Roads in Oak Brook. For more information, call (630) 655-2090 or (630) 920-9720. Hinsdale Humane Society Annual Pet Walk Hinsdale Humane Society will celebrate its 60th birthday at the 24th Annual Pet Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June …

BEDS Plus hosts rockin’ prom

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:11:45 -0500

Guests pulled out the powder blue tuxes, formal dresses and lots of hairspray when BEDS Plus held their annual Prom fundraiser on April 27 at the Willowbrook Ballroom. More than 120 attendees came out in support of BEDS Plus, which provides emergency assistance and counseling to the homeless in La Grange, LaGrange Park, Brookfield, Riverside, Countryside, Western Springs, Hinsdale and Lyons. Local band Kickin’ Jimmy had attendees swirling on the dance floor. David and Stephanie Schrodt were crowned King and Queen of this years Prom. “It’s not a costume event, but it’s hilarious how some people dress,” said attendee Andrea …

Gatsby jewels brought to life

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:38:40 -0500

Romance is in the air now that “The Great Gatsby” movie has finally arrived in theaters. The film, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 literary classic, features Leonardo DiCaprio portraying millionaire Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan playing the lovely Daisy Buchanan. Set in the roaring ‘20’s, at the height of the jazz era, the movie seamlessly represents that period, especially in regards to the clothing and jewelry. Tiffany’s & Co. is the official jeweler of the film and the company has created two collections to celebrate the movie’s release. The Ziegfeld Collection, in stores now, captures the elegance of that …

OnQ calendar

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:01 -0500

Sports Ball Aging Care Connections will host its 12th annual Sports Ball Benefit Gala at 6 p.m. May 17 at Pinstripes, 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook. The event will feature tailgate cocktails, skybox dining, auctions, bocce and bowling. Celebrity athletes will sign autographs and answer questions about their major league careers. Tickets are $150. For more information, call (708) 354-1323 ext.226 or visit www.agingcareconnections.org. Spring Bash and Boogie The Spring Bash and Boogie will be held on May 18 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. AActivities include premium bar …

Fashion show for helping hands

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:38:50 -0500

Helping Hand held its 25th annual Reflections Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon on April 20 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. The afternoon included lunch, door prizes, raffle prizes, boutique shopping and plenty of fashion inspiration. Clothing models included clients and Helping Hand staff. Mary Ann’s Shoppe in La Grange supplied the fashions. The afternoon raised $6,000, and proceeds go toward the general fund as well as the school of autism and operation of the many programs for clients with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.hhcenter.org.~. …

St. Jude gives Four Stars for kids around the world

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:52:01 -0500

The Event: There was not a dry eye amongst the 940 attendees to the 19th annual St. Jude Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza when honorary chairman Andy Daniels and daughter Emily, both of Hinsdale, told the story of Emily’s successful battle with cancer. Alison Rosati of WMAQ-Channel 5 reprised her role as Master of Ceremonies at the April 17 benefit held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, and 22 of Chicago’s top chefs joined the celebration. Cause célèbre: “Many people today still don’t really know what St. Jude is. They think it’s a hospital and (think) ‘why should …

Got a great voice?

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:08:01 -0500

Calling all aspiring singers: Pillars is holding a Pillars Talent Showcase. Individuals and bands can complete registration before 5 p.m. on May 16. Pillars will select 18 semi-finalists whose YouTube videos will be viewed and voted on by the public. Twelve finalists will be announced at the June 6 Party for Pillars Kickoff Celebration by Mark Supplesa, WGN-Channel 9 news anchor. Contestants will perform at the Showcase’s live concert performance on June 22. A panel of celebrity judges and the audience will select a winner. For more information and a complete list of rules and regulations, visit www.PillarsTalentShowcasecom. To purchase …

Sports Ball

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:37:26 -0500

Whip out the autograph pens and meet celebrity athletes in person at the Aging Care Connections 12th annual Sports Ball Benefit Gala. The May 17 event begins at 6 p.m. at Pinstripes, 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, and will feature tailgate cocktails, skybox dining, auctions, bocce and bowling. Guests will have the opportunity to meet celebrity athletes who will sign autographs and answer questions about their careers with major league teams. Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman will headline the event. Sports Ball is Aging Care Connections’ major fundraising event held to support the organization’s social service programs assisting those …

OnQ calendar

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:40 -0500

Spring Bash and Boogie The Spring Bash and Boogie will be held on May 18 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Village Club of Western Springs, 4221 Lawn Ave. AActivities include premium bar open all night, unlimited delicious pizza from Aurelio’s and live dance music from the band Soda. Tickets are $80, group discounts are available. ll proceeds benefit the Special Olympics bowling and swim teams supported by the Greater LaGrange YMCA. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (708)352-7600 or visit the YMCA, 1100 E. 31st St., La Grange Park, or www.springbashandboogie.com. Looking Up The Morton …

Family Shelter Service creates ‘Wonderland’

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:37:04 -0500

The Magic of Wonderland was an apt theme for Family Shelter Service’s annual gala, held April 19 at the Abbington, Glen Ellyn. Nearly 500 guests mingled amidst whimsical decor and adventurous auction opportunities. The evening included dinner, music, silent and live auctions and the illusions of Wheaton magician Jeanette Andrews. Teri Goudie of Hinsdale, owner of Goudie Media Services, served as emcee. “We are here to help the thousands of men, women and children in our area that are victims of domestic abuse,” she said in addressing guests. “Like Alice in Wonderland, they are stuck in a rabbit hole and …

There’s no place like Easter Seals

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:37:15 -0500

Guests at the Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley Region clicked their heels and followed the yellow brick road on April 13 during the annual benefit gala, themed “There’s No Place Like Easter Seals.” More than 500 attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing to Orchestra 33 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Jayne Crouthamel, Easter Seals Youth Ambassador, engaged the audience with her personal story of growing up with hydrocephalus. The 10-year-old Easter Seals client spoke of the tremendous impact of Easter Seals’ services, inspiring her to set a goal to attend Stanford in 2021 and find …