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Hinsdale’s Infant Welfare Society gives Tablescapes a jolt of New York-style creativity and style.

Everyone has a different way to make it through Florida. Some spend every spare minute in hot yoga classes and infrared saunas. An increasing number of smart philanthropists know that the best way to beat the winter blues is to plan to attend Tablescapes, the signature fundraiser of the Hinsdale Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary.

This year’s theme, New York, New York promises to transport guests to the city that never sleeps. Tablescapes co-chair Lauren Houder says, “It’s been an honor to be a part of Tablescapes and I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s ‘New’ York with our event! I’ve always considered places close to my heart and celebrating NYC because of its vibrancy only seemed appropriate during the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 and a city that changed forever.”

Lauren adds, “We are thrilled to unveil our New York, New York theme, inviting everyone to savor a taste of the Big Apple right here in the western suburbs.” She adds, “Our guests eagerly anticipate Tablescapes each year, renowned for its stunning table designs and imaginative vignettes. However, this event extends far beyond beautiful aesthetics: it provides a vital opportunity to make a tangible difference. With options ranging from sponsorships of our silent auction and grand raffles, there’s an avenue for everyone to contribute, and every donation helps fund essential programs.”

Co-chair Julie Sutton adds, “Our New York, New York theme lends itself to over-the-top experiences like our ‘Tavern on the Green’ bubbly bar and Tablescape designs inspired by the Hamptons, The U.S. Open, and the magic of Broadway to name a few.

Having outgrown every other area venue, Tablescapes moved in 2024 to the Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge. This gorgeous space allows for more guests to attend and experience everything the day brings, including boutique shopping, lunch, demonstrations, and the stars of the show, the member-designed tablescapes, all of which will be raffled off to lucky supporters.

Julie says, “I can’t think of a daytime event that’s packed with more fun! Guests are sure to enjoy time with friends, shopping, designer handbags and shoes, silent and live auctions, eight tablescape raffles, our new ‘vacation station’ bidding wall, a fashion stroll, music, signature drinks and of course, fantastic food.”

Chapter member and stylist Kristin Lopez acknowledges, “This year’s tablescapes is going to be a different vibe than in the past. Traditionally, florals have been popular, but this year we are embracing the concept that New York City is a living, breathing fashion show, so the dress code is elevated, playful, and utterly NYC.”

The same big energy that runs through New York City is coursing through the Hinsdale Chapter, which has grown in both membership and impact over the past few years.

Chapter President Molly Painter Lucht says, “I think that the Tablescapes platform has had legs due to those leaders that came before me and have laid a solid foundation. Our membership is at an all-time high, and the members of the organization move mountains to help the IWS Family Health Center. By repeating and building on the magic year over year, we’ve seen growth in both the event and what we can give to the Center.”

Julie offers insight into this moment of the longstanding group, saying, “I joined the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Infant Welfare Society last year and absolutely fell in love with the cause and all the lovely people I’ve met. These members think big and execute bigger. We encourage and support one another, and I’m thrilled to be a part of a group that truly makes such a difference.”

That encouragement extends to the new CEO of IWS Family Health, Heidi Ortolaza-Alvear. Molly recently hosted an evening in her home for members of all Auxiliary Chapters to get to know this impressive leader. “I am excited about her leadership due to her extensive background in maternal and child health. She has a growth mindset and expertise in service development and expansion, which means every dollar we raise goes further to serve more youth. She comes from Esperanza Health where she opened four sites in four years. With this skill set and knowledge base, I am confident that we will achieve the same type of scale at IWS in Chicagoland. In addition, she and her family have lived in the community we serve and as a result it is clear that she understands the needs and has a great deal of knowledge on how to maximize care,” says Molly.

IWS Family Health is dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of integrated, quality, and preventive health care services to children and their families, empowering them to lead healthy and productive lives. Recognized with the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, IWS is committed to excellence in ambulatory care and behavioral health, ensuring quality care in a safe environment. Based in the Chicagoland area, this healthcare home for many provides essential services such as pediatric and adult health, pediatric and family dentistry, prenatal care including Centering Pregnancy™, care coordination, primary care, and both short-term and long-term behavioral health therapy. Additional services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and optometry. It’s a place that many support passionately. “Tablescapes is a testament to the power of community coming together for a vital cause. The funds we raise directly support the IWS Family Health Center, providing underserved families across Chicago with essential healthcare services. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we unite for a common purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what our members have achieved so far, and we are profoundly grateful to our supporters for their unwavering generosity,” Molly says.

There is no better Sunday Funday for a great cause than Tablescapes.

Tablescapes will be held at 12 p.m. on March 22 at the Marriott Southwest Burr Ridge. Tickets, raffle tickets, and sponsorship opportunities are available at hinsdaleiws.com.