COUNTDOWN TO DERBY DAY

T he Kentucky Derby is known to many as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint, formerly Children’s Home + Aid, the day has a much longer lasting impact for children and families all over Illinois. Since 1955, members of this small but mighty group have hosted an epic Derby Day party. Locations have ranged from backyards to country clubs to grand hotel ballrooms, and even the zoo. Wherever the Hinsdale Auxiliary gathers, that’s the place to be to watch the race.

2025 chair Margo Facchini joined the auxiliary five years ago. She served as co-chair last year and is solo chairing this anniversary celebration. “We have a new venue, the Marriott Chicago Southwest in Burr Ridge. This means more people can join the fun. We’re hoping past members will attend and are reaching out with special invitations to all those who have been a part of planning this special day in the past,” Facchini says. Expect to mingle with many families who’ve been involved for generations. Some served as teenaged valets for their mothers, then became leaders in the group as themselves. It’s always been a family affair for the Blair family, who will be honored for 50 years of involvement and the Blair Family Foundation’s continued commitment to Brightpoint.

Sean Blair, who was one of those car parkers during his mother Jolynn’s time in the auxiliary, offers this timeline, saying, “My mother joined the Hinsdale Auxiliary in 1979 when there were two prominent charities in town, the Infant Welfare Society and Children’s Home + Aid. My mom was one of the chairs of the 25th anniversary. Our family chaired the 50th anniversary, which was held at Brookfield Zoo, a client of my father’s software company and great people to work with.” After co-founding the Men’s Association, and serving on the Metropolitan Board, Blair was recruited to Brightpoint Board of Trustees, where he has served for more than 20 years. “I’m a big proponent of work life balance and I’ve always had the desire to give back. That’s how I find balance. It’s active, it’s rewarding, they leverage everyone’s expertise very well,” Blair says.

Trustees ensure that Brightpoint is thriving and fiscally healthy to create an implement the programs that advance the mission. Blair is especially proud of supporting the Thriving Fathers and Families (TFF) program, which helps to strengthen fathers’ relationships with their children, families, and community. Participating dads spend more time with their children, improve their parenting and co-parenting skills, and improve their overall relationships with their children and co-parents.

Facchini also mentions this program as a standout, sharing that a TFF participant spoke movingly at last year’s Derby Day. Auxiliary president Tish Newcomer explains, “Brightpoint is set up to help families across Illinois. I love the message that it’s a preventive organization. They want to provide foundational support for families before things become catastrophic.”

Faccini sees so much potential in the mission. She shares, “My mom was divorced with six kids in a time when you really didn’t get a lot of support. We had to use the welfare system, and it was quite embarrassing for my mom. We were blessed with my grandparents helping us out and she had good friends. Today, I think Brightpoint does such amazing things for people who are in need. They provide services to 34,000 families statewide, but I know there are more people we can reach.”

Newcomer adds, “The funds we raise at Derby Day go to support early childcare for 1,200 children. It’s not only a childcare center but full of resources for the families.” For this epic anniversary, the Hinsdale Auxiliary is ready to welcome more than 200 people to network with Brightpoint representatives and learn more about the programs, watch the Kentucky Derby with friends old and new, enjoy dinner and dancing, bid on some incredible items, and hear from people who’ve improved their lives through Brightpoint programs. “You’ll love hearing from the speakers who share how they’ve benefitted, advanced their lives, and are thriving,” Newcomer says. “Get in the spirit and come watch the Kentucky Derby with us for a great cause,” Facchini says.

The Hinsdale Auxiliary’s 70th Annual Derby Fay Party is Saturday, May 3 from 4:40 – 10:30 p.m. at the Marriott Burr Ridge. Buy tickets at brightpoint.org.