Hollywood Game Night

Danielle McNally wearing a Veronica Beard dress, Jenny Pace wearing a L’Agence black lace jacket over a gold dress, Jessica Christensen in a dress by Mei-MeiJ Italy, Audrey Less wearing a one-shoulder dress by L’Agence, all available at Sweet William, Hinsdale PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA SCIASCIA / MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

With seven chapters and more than 500 members across the Chicago area, the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Auxiliary has been doing great things since 1913. The Clarendon Hills chapter is a special part of the organization. The members truly enjoy their work and spending time with one another, embodying the Auxiliary’s description of members as both fundraisers and “friendraisers.”

This dynamic group put luminaria on the map, thanks to member Vi Humphries, who returned from a trip to Mexico in 1965 and sparked a new Clarendon Hills tradition.

You’ll see them on The Witches Ride and enjoying workout classes together, always with a charitable component to the activity. And every year, they shine a beacon in the cold, dreary winter months at the annual dinner dance, Light Up The Night.

This year’s event takes place on January 27, 2023, at the recently renovated and very buzzy Drake Oak Brook. It’s a quick turnaround, having hosted the 2022 Light Up The Night in April, but it feels good to be back on schedule.

“There are so many fun new elements this year, even if you’ve attended for years you are going to be surprised,” says chapter president Michelle Speziale.

“The Hollywood Game Night lends itself to lots of glamorous fun,” says co-chair Danielle McNally.

“Whether you love playing cards, rolling the dice, going head-to-head in golf pong, or simply want an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, this is your party,” adds co-chair Jessica Christensen.

Like everything this vibrant group does, Light Up The Night raises critical funds for IWS Family Health. This integrated and coordinated clinic serves as a one stop shop for health needs. Families are treated by top professionals in everything from prenatal to primary care, dentistry, optometry, and counseling services.

Children between the ages of two and eight can receive occupational therapy, speech therapy, and participate in a social skills group. These are part of the Child-Centered and Advanced Therapies (CHAT) program in partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital. CHAT services are bi-lingual and take place in a bright open space that’s outfitted with helpful equipment for bringing out each child’s potential.

Jessica Christenson, Danielle McNally, Audrey Less, Jenny Pace

Two other standout programs are the AngelBaby prenatal care protocol, which combines traditional one-on-one care with a support group of expected mothers with similar due dates and a welcoming dental department. This comprehensive practice offers everything from routine cleanings to orthodontics, oral surgery to emergency treatment.

These spaces and services benefit from the hard work of the Auxiliary chapters and Clarendon Hills is a top contributor. Light Up The Night brings in big numbers, but these ladies never rest on their laurels. Instead, the benefit chairs and members consistently challenge themselves to offer better auction items, a more intriguing grand raffle goodie, or just a more enticing evening.

This year’s event looks to be very special, definitely one to attend.

Light Up The Night with A Hollywood Game Night will be held on January 27, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at The Drake, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook. Visit clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org for tickets.