INTO THE GROOVE OF GIVING

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club is committed to doing all the good they can in the community through their grants program. This year’s benefit, Giving is Rock, will bring all the energy of a music festival to everyone’s favorite Spring night out on the town.

Spending time with the dynamic team planning the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) Fund The Grants Gala is an uplifting experience and a masterclass in updating a longstanding tradition to keep it exciting, vibrant, and fresh.

The first lesson is the subtle shift from referring to the annual cocktail affair as simply “Benefit” to the fun, alliterative, and informative new title, the Fund The Grants Gala. “This puts the great process of the way we give back to the community front and center,” says HJWC President Christine Gebauer. In 2018-2019, HJWC launched their Grant Fundraising model to help fund tangible items with a lasting impact for deserving organizations. Since then, more than $1.4 million dollars has been granted by HJWC non-profit organizations in Chicagoland and the Western Suburbs.

Sponsorship Chair Bianca Clark explains, “Our Grant Program funds things like park for young children, a security system for a shelter where young mothers have found safety, a mobile traffic light, and a bus for children with disabilities.”

This year HJWC has received $700,700 in grant requests. This group and all the members are doing everything possible to ensure that every need is funded.

“Recently we’ve been receiving a lot of requests for updated technology so the organizations can better serve their clients. Everything we fund is a tangible item and each one is put to good use for many people’s benefit,” says First Vice President Liz Ewing.

To that end, the second lesson is making every fundraising event as successful as possible. “We wanted to shift the culture to feel more inclusive and welcome as many community members who’d like to attend and we wanted to capture the magic of a music festival, where there are new connections and little bit of magic around every corner,” Christine says. And so, Giving is Rock was worn as an exciting, inspiring, slightly renegade theme.

“We think it’s bold, innovative, and alive and hope this theme serves to unite everyone back to our mission of helping the community,” Christine says.

A bit of magic came through when Christine connected with local band Reckless. The band’s six members include a Hinsdale police officer and others with local ties. Reckless is known for their high-powered mix of rock classic and dance music, which connects with the crowd and keeps the energy high at every performance. “They are so talented and tuned into what we’re trying to create. We had several date changes and Reckless rolled with the changes each time. We’re so grateful to them for accommodating and know they’ll create an unforgettable night for our guests,” Christine says.

Auctioneer Erin Williams will be on hand to dial up the enthusiasm even more. Known for her dynamic stage presence, authentic passion, and inspiring energy, Erin connects deeply with audiences, ensuring impactful and successful fundraising experiences.

HJWC found the perfect venue for Giving is Rock, Compass Arena.

“Compass is going to create the perfect awards show feeling, allowing our guests to feel like they are attending the Grammy Awards or The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony,” says Managing Chair Lina Survilaite.

“We’re getting away from that hotel ballroom feeling and going for an upscale concert experience like an awards show. The people being honored are those who give and care for those around us,” Christine says, adding, “Plus it’s right down the street, meaning no hotel stay in the city so hopefully more of our friends and neighbors can join the fun.”

For those wondering what to wear to the most audacious fundraiser of the Spring season Lina advises “Cocktail attire crossed with a bit of festival fearlessness. Go for an edgy take on black tie optional and come ready to dance and channel your inner rock star.”

It’s no small task to reinvent the approach to a big event, but this group is making it happen. “No ask has gone unanswered and we’re hyper focused on what matters, which is doing all the good we can for people,” says Liz.

Now that’s Rock N Roll.

Giving Is Rock: Fund The Grants Gala is Saturday, April 25, 2025, at Compass Arena in Willowbrook. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at hjwc.us.