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By Sherry Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
Jess Knight, Emily Bower, and Shelly Perkowski are co-chairing The Holiday Ball with their husbands Robbie, Brian, and John
The holidays are inherently a nostalgic time of year. For generations of local friends, the warm haze of lovely memories includes spending the first Saturday in December dressed up and dancing at everyone’s favorite spot to gather and grow. For decades, the Holiday Ball has been one of Hinsdale’s most cherished holiday traditions and the largest annual fundraising event for The Community House (TCH). Featuring cocktails, dinner, entertainment, dancing, and holiday cheer, it’s become a staple of the social season.
That feeling of looking forward to an upcoming occasion while holding dear memories of the past is exactly what the co-chairs of this year’s Holiday Ball had in mind when they came up with the theme, “Oh What Fun!”
“We wanted this year’s theme to capture the joy, warmth, togetherness, and nostalgia of the holiday season, while incorporating bright, cheerful colors and a fresh, festive feel,” explains Shelly Perkowski, who is co-chairing next month’s event with husband John and two other couples—Emily and Brian Bower, along with Jess and Robbie Knight. “‘Oh What Fun!’ felt like the perfect fit because it is playful and vibrant, while reflecting the spirit of a tradition that brings us together to celebrate and support a meaningful local cause.”
Always held on the first Saturday of December, and officially marking the beginning of the season for many, the Holiday Ball on Saturday, December 5, is presented by Curi Capital and Hinsdale Law Group and will feature the elegant CD Peacock Lounge, creating a festive experience for guests throughout the evening.
With holiday décor, music, and red cups appearing earlier every year, the first-ever Holiday Ball Prelude Cocktail Party kicks off the fun on Friday, December 4, offering guests a bonus opportunity to gather and celebrate the holiday season while honoring the rich history and enduring impact of TCH.
Since 1941, the Hinsdale-based nonprofit has been offering recreation and quality social services to people of all ages and all walks of life, regardless of their financial circumstances. It’s the spot where young children can discover a love of sports with no pressure, artists from eight to 108 can pick up a paintbrush, counselors provide knowledgeable support, students find educational enrichment, and volunteers can match their talents to needs.
“The Holiday Ball sells out quickly each year, leaving many people who want to attend unable to because of the limited capacity of our cherished local venue,” explains Emily. “Adding the Prelude Cocktail Party allows us to open the celebration to a much larger audience, welcome new supporters, and give more people the opportunity to connect with the mission of The Community House.”
The added night extends TCH’s reach and creates a new opportunity to expand the Spark Youth Development Initiative and affordable services from The Counseling Center for those in need.
“We can’t wait to celebrate The Community House’s milestone 85th anniversary year at the Prelude Cocktail Party and at the Holiday Ball!” adds John.
“Holiday Ball is a celebration of everything that makes The Community House so special,” says Dan Janowick, Executive Director of The Community House. “Community, generosity, and the belief that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact.”
“What makes it especially meaningful is that it takes place inside The Community House, a place where so many children and parents spend time participating in or watching sports, plays, meetings, classes, camps, and more,” says Jess, adding: “There is something very special about transforming this familiar gathering place for one weekend and celebrating with friends, family, and neighbors while giving back. The Holiday Ball has evolved over the years, but that sense of belonging and shared purpose has always remained at its heart.”
Proceeds from both the Holiday Ball and Holiday Ball Prelude Cocktail Party will directly benefit The Community House and its Spark Youth Development Initiative, which provides children and families with year-round support through after-school programming, mentoring, academic assistance, enrichment activities, recreation, and summer camps at Anne M. Jeans Elementary and Burr Ridge Middle School. The initiative is designed to help young people build confidence, develop important life skills, and reach their full potential.
“As moms, children and their well-being are naturally very close to our hearts. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, regardless of their family’s circumstances,” explains Shelly, speaking on behalf of the co-chair committee. “The Holiday Ball raises funds to do just that for families living in unincorporated DuPage County through The Spark Youth Development Initiative and The Counseling Center. We think about the working parents who can head to work knowing their child has a safe place to go before school and a welcoming and enriching place to go at the end of the day. Knowing our efforts can make that kind of difference for children and families close by is what makes this so meaningful to us.”
Robbie and Brian agree that TCH plays an important role in making Hinsdale feel like home.
“Many families may first experience it through their child’s class, sport, game, or performance, without realizing the full scope of its impact,” they add. “As new generations of families make Hinsdale home, it’s important that they understand all the resources that are available at no cost.” Beyond those resources, the committee notes that The Community House also provides significantly reduced-cost access to mental health services through The Counseling Center.
“The Community House is so much more than a place for activities. It is a resource and support system for families throughout our local towns,” adds Jess. “The Holiday Ball gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of that larger mission and inspire the next generation to get involved and give back.”
Tickets for both events go on sale on October 6. For more information about Holiday Ball festivities and The Community House, visit thecommunityhouse.org.
