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By Michelle Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Kathleen Sievertson, Marci Kizluk, and Susan Santefort ready for Mistletoe Medley at Drury Lane Theatre.
Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 as a charitable response to the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a day to give back by sharing time, talent, and funding to support communities and charitable causes doing good work in communities that need it most.
Mistletoe Medley, the signature fundraiser of the Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary, is an exemplary way to spend Giving Tuesday and kick off the holiday season. “People always tell us this is the start of their Christmas season. So many of our members have been involved for decades and guests love seeing the same faces every year, even if they don’t know us, they love the family feeling of seeing this familiar group of women devoted to a cause,” says Marci Hanzlik, co-president of the Oak Brook Chapter.
For many friend groups and families, attending is an important tradition. Event chair Susan Santefort says, “For over a decade I’ve been celebrating Mistletoe Medley day with my daughters who are also members at their area auxiliary chapters. Soon my granddaughter will join the Junior Board, so our family will have three generations involved.”
“We truly are like a family,” Marci says, “We’ve been through babies, grad, adoption, divorces, and we’ve still survived and thrived.”
“There is a reason why over 90% of our OB members have stayed for over 25 years and that is that the results are so satisfying. We raise between $100,000 to $200,000 at Mistletoe Medley. This funding allows for real-life underserved children and families access to health care services at the Clinic, enabling them to lead healthy lives,” Susan says.
To make the most of this one-day extravaganza, arrive right when the doors open at 9 a.m. to visit the Holiday Boutique. “The first two hours are for shopping, entering the incredible raffles, and enjoying it all,” says co-president Kathy Sievertsen.
“My favorite part of Mistletoe Medley is watching the energy and enthusiasm generated by our guests as they peruse the fabulous Raffle Prizes and unique goodies showcased by our exhibitors, who always offer options for everybody’s taste, age group, and price point,” says Susan. “There are many things to look at in the boutique and so many people to meet. It’s a great time,” adds Marci.
Kathy shares that as a golfer, she and many others are excited about this year’s Grand Raffle Prize, sponsored by member Liz Berglund. It’s a 5-Star Luxury Golf and Spa Getaway in Kohler, Wisconsin. The package features three nights’ accommodations at The Inn on Woodlake at the heart of Kohler’s sports, retail, and entertainment district. It’s a perfect setting for an extraordinary experience featuring great golf on Kohler’s legendary courses, spa services at the renowned Kohler Waters Spa, fine dining, and golf. Liz shares, “It’s a chance to visit a luxury spa without having to travel too far.”
Then the entertainment kicks off. NBC5 news anchor Allison Rosati has served as master of ceremonies for a decade. “Allison is wonderful and has become a big supporter of the center,” Kathy says. The beloved television personality keeps things moving as fashion goes front and center on the Drury Lane runway with another fabulous presentation from Zzazz Productions featuring the best of city and suburban chic. The dancers from Salt Creek Ballet dazzle with selections from The Nutcracker. “That was an ask from one of the other IWS fundraising groups and showcasing the dancers really elevates the day,” says Marci. Kathy adds, “The fashion show is magnificent, and the Salt Creek Ballet dancers are extraordinary.”
In between, guests will hear from the leadership team at IWS Family Health and learn how the generous support of the seven chapters of the Auxiliary make the difference for many who might otherwise go without health care.
IWS Family Health began in 1911, as the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. At the time of its founding, IWS provided a safe supply of milk for newborns as the city combated spiraling infant mortality.
Today, the Center provides primary medical care, dentistry, child development, and behavioral health services for all ages. Located in Logan Square, at 3600 West Fullerton Avenue in Chicago, this primary care center provides a multi-service healthcare home to medically underserved children and their families. Last year, an additional pediatric site opened in Dunning at 6416 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago.
Marci shares, “The center is a beautiful place. When I was younger, my husband and I would drive down on Saturday mornings and I was able to go in and read to the children. It was the most wonderful experience to know these bright young children.” A version of this tradition continues with a book kiosk from which children can choose something to read.
The IWS Family Health Center also offers an array of support programs and initiatives, which the Oak Brook Chapter enthusiastically supports. The AngelBaby Bags program provides seven baby essentials plus additional items such as a pacifier or baby clothes and a classic or favorite baby book in a convenient diaper bag for new mom. The annual Fall Coat Drive helps IWS Family Health patients be “Winter Ready.” Janie’s Kitchen Food Pantry assists patient families experiencing food insecurity.
Thanks to the generosity of the communities that our members live in, more mothers, children, and families will receive the essential medical care they need, enabling them to lead healthier lives and build strong communities. The Oak Brook Chapter is especially grateful for their longtime supporters, including Joe and Nives Rizza and Susan Heil.
If one day with this kind of love isn’t enough, the forty members of the Oak Brook Chapter welcome new members who are ready and willing to share their time, talent, and resources and make wonderful lifelong friends.
To learn more about the Oak Brook Chapter and purchase tickets to Mistletoe Medley on December 2 at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, visit oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org.
