Deb Hulick, Diane Golin, Seated: Jana Brok, Sarah Adess

Shopping has never been more meaningful than it will be this October. Saks Fifth Avenue Highland Park, in partnership with The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, will host the 2010 Key to the Cure, a charity shopping weekend Thursday, October 21 through Sunday, October 24. As part of a national campaign initiated by Saks more than 12 years ago, a percentage of sales from the four-day event will go toward women’s cancer treatment at a location right here in our backyard: Kellogg Cancer Center located within NorthShore Highland Park Hospital.

Kicking off this significant weekend of fashion and philanthropy will be an opening night party—media-sponsored by Sheridan Road—held at the luxury retailer’s Highland Park location on Thursday, October 21. At the helm of the kickoff event are Sarah Adess, Jana Brok, and Diane Golin of Highland Park, and Deb Hulick of Winnetka. The event is free—just bring yourself, a friend, and a penchant for fall fashion. “The beauty of the kickoff event is you don’t need to purchase tickets, just reserve your spot,” says Deb. “Stop by, shop, and bid on some silent auction items, while enjoying food, wine, and dancing from Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructors.”

“Proceeds from all this revelry will go toward an institution so close to home,” says Diane. The Kellogg Cancer Center was established in 1981, as a gift from the Kellogg family in appreciation of the care they received at NorthShore. Kellogg offers state-of-the-art care for the whole person. “NorthShore has a unique program of doctors, collaborative nurses, social workers, and additional staff that work together to help patients and their families cope on every level involved in their treatment and care,” says Sarah.

Keeping that level of care up to a certain standard is so important. Not only will Saks be donating 2 percent of the weekend’s sales, it will also be offering a portion of the sales from a limited edition Key to the Cure T-shirt designed by Donna Karan to the Auxiliary’s efforts on behalf of NorthShore. The kickoff party’s silent auction is another means of adding to the contribution, while including others in the community. “We involve local businesses to participate in the silent auction,” says Jana. “This results in a significant portion of the donation to Kellogg Cancer Center from this event.”

While the kickoff event is free, reservations are encouraged. To reserve a ticket, visit northshore.org/kttc, or call 847-926-5003.