Features | Oct. 2023
IT’S A WRAP
By Contributor
The Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago proudly reports the triumphant culmination of its 19th Biennial Showhouse, held from May 5 to June 4. This year’s Showhouse once again demonstrated the organization’s commitment to fundraising to support the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.
This year’s Showhouse featured a stunning home designed in 1969 by William Frazier. The home is set on beautifully landscaped nine acres in Lake Forest, Illinois, with five acres designated as a conservation area.
The home features a 16-room main house, a seven-room coach house, and a gentleman’s outbuilding. A total of 34 interior designers and eight landscape designers lent their creative expertise to transform these spaces into captivating works of art that resonated with visitors from across the Chicago area and nationally.
During its opening days, the Showhouse kicked off with an amazing opening night Preview Party generously catered by the jdR family of companies and saw a remarkable turnout of over 650 guests.
Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon, who graciously served as Honorary Chairs of the Showhouse, were featured in a keynote lecture and luncheon attended by over 350 guests. The lecture also provided all guests with a copy of the book Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today.
The Showhouse doors remained open for a span of four weeks, welcoming a staggering 8,000 guests through its carefully curated interiors and landscapes. The event’s resounding success culminated in raising a gross total of over $800,000, a testament to the unwavering support from attendees and sponsors alike.
With this year’s achievements, the Lake Forest Showhouse solidified its status as one of the premier Showhouses in the country, a source of pride for all involved.
Funds raised will be directed towards Infant Welfare Society (IWS) Family Health. This clinic provides health care services and education to medically underserved and vulnerable families. The mission of IWS Family Health is to provide a continuum of integrated, quality, and preventative health services to children and their families, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives.
In the spirit of solidarity and shared purpose, the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, attendees, designers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2023 Biennial Showhouse an unparalleled success.
For those eager to be part of this legacy and contribute to its noble mission, information on the next Showhouse can be found on the organization’s official website, lakeforestshowhouse.com, or by following @lfshowhouse on Instagram.
