The Hinsdalean_2019-02-14

PULSE HJWC goes outside its element with new fundraising model for benefit

asking for monetary and vol- unteer support. More than 50 organiza- tions applied for funding through HJWC’s philan- thropy program. Out of those initial applicants, 30 organizations made it to the second round with a pow- erful collective fundraising ask of $1.2 million. Members of HJWC’s Philanthropy

club’s $1.2 million fund- raising goal will be raised in just one evening. This year’s annual HJWC benefit, “Outside Your Element,” will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m. at The Godfrey Hotel in Chicago. According to event chairs, the theme is “a reflection of how HJWC is stepping out- side its bounds and giving beyond our immediate com- munity.”

with this year’s new philanthropy for- mat,” said Rebecca Marinaccio, who is chairing the event along with seven other HJWCmembers. “We are hoping that the fun urban venue combined with a celebrity deejay performance, amazing silent auction and raffle items will draw a large crowd and meaning- ful donations, so that we can award as many grants as possible.” Wood added that the event is not just for club members and their spouses. HJWC is asking friends and supporters of the various charities as well as com- munity members who recognize the importance of fundraising to attend. To purchase tickets, $185 per person, or for information on how to become a sponsor, please visit OYE.givesmart. com or send an email to benefithjwc@ gmail.com.

The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s model of giving, which has generated millions of dollars for charitable orga- nizations over the past several years, is growing and evolving this year — in step with the club itself, which is comprised of more than 250 dynamic women dedicated to fundraising. “As we’ve grown, one of the things we’ve found is that our model of giving had not evolved,” said Irene Wood, Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club pres- ident. “We wanted to broaden our scope with the amount of charities served as well as broaden our fundrais- ing tools.” Traditionally the club has supported one primary charitable organization every two years. This year, HJWC changed its thought process on giv- ing and opened its doors to dozens of worthwhile organizations supporting women and children throughout the Chicago area. And, not surprisingly, the club was flooded with applicants

Alexis Braden Society spotlight

Committee made site visits to each organization over the course of five days in November to hear how these nonprofits are helping serve those in need. “During the site visits, we were exposed to charities we never knew existed,” Wood said. “They are doing some really critical work in our com- munity. The goal of our club is to marry our time and money very strategically based with specific asks.” And more than one third of the

Looking out over the city on the hotel’s rooftop, guests will indulge in snow cones, creative cocktails and gourmet food inside life-sized igloos that will illuminate the skyline. Celebrity guest DJ Pauly D of reality TV show Jersey Shore will entertain event-goers with dancing until mid- night. “We are excited to be able to expand our reach and give to multiple charities

— Alexis Braden of Hinsdale is the paper’s society columnist. Readers can email her at news@thehinsdalean.com.

n “We wanted to broaden our scope with the amount of charities served as well as broaden our fundraising tools.” — Irene Wood

The Hinsdalean • February 14, 2019 • Page 19