For the last 10 years, Hinsdale Living has had the distinct privilege of covering the Western Suburbs’ most loved events. While the pandemic may have redirected some of our parties, a look through the archives proves that Living & Giving is something our communities do best. We invite you to take a peek inside some of our favorite events over the past decade.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AANNA CHASE, VIOLET DOMINICK, LEE LITAS, IAN MCLEOD, LARRY MILLER, JIM SCHULZ, AND KELLY TONE

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

The Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago’s annual fundraiser is one full of light and hope. The formal affair (which took an “at-home” twist in 2020) brings together supporters raising funds for The Angel Harvey Family Health Center.

WELLNESS HOUSE BALL

For the past 31 years, Wellness House in Hinsdale has hosted its annual black-tie affair—proving to be one of the community’s favorite events to attend. As the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit, funds raised are used for programs supporting those who are living with cancer.

TABLESCAPES

What’s not to love about the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago’s annual fundraiser? The group, who hosted its 23rd Tablescapes event in March, auctions off the stunning table displays (the namesake of the event), as well as one-of-a-kind auction items and baskets to raise funds for the Angel Harvey family Health Center.

UNCORKED: PULL A CORK FOR CANCER

Scoreboard Charities’ beloved fall benefit began as “Wine, Women & Shoes” in 2016 before evolving into “Uncorked: Pull a Cork for Cancer” in 2018. The evening combines fun, food, and fashion, and Scoreboard Charities’ unique auction format which features one-of-a- kind donated sports memorabilia to be sold—with proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations that support the fight against cancer.

OAK BROOK POLO

Celebrating its 99th season in 2021, Oak Brook Polo Club’s match and polo day activities are a summertime must-attend. Known as the “sport of kings,” guests welcome the opportunity to throw on a fantastic fascinator or dapper suit, and drink champagne on the sidelines.

IGNITE ASHA GALA

Ignite Asha’s inaugural fundraiser took place in 2018 in Oak Brook and the party hasn’t stopped. The black-tie affair mixes cocktails and cuisine with top-tier entertainment like 2018’s famous Bollywood DJ, DJ Sohbash, and fundraising to help victims of human trafficking in India.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE HOLIDAY BALL

Founded in 1941, The Community House in Hinsdale is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2021, leading up to an end-of-the-year party that cannot be missed. Through the years, this nonprofit has hosted one of the holiday’s most loved events, full of familiar faces and entertainment loved by all in attendance.

HINSDALE JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB BENEFIT

Now in its 71st year of service, the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club knows how to throw a party. The theme may change every year—from a love themed affair, “Amore,” and Gatsby gala to gilded glamour at the Millennium Knickerbocker and Grammy-glam at Burdi in 2021—but the cause remains the same—raising funds for charities most in need in the Chicago area.

REV IT UP 2 COMBAT CANCER

This ladies-only cocktail party was held in 2013 at Continental AutoSports as the culminating event of a month-long Paint the Town Pink fundraising campaign for Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Foundation (now known as Hinsdale Hospital Foundation and part of AMITA Health). Models walked the runway for the fashion and philanthropy inspired evening with funds benefitting the hospital’s Cancer Institute, which opened in early 2016.

WHIRL AT BROOKFIELD ZOO

The Chicago Zoological Society celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Whirl in May 2021. 2020 and 2021 were “Virtu-Whirl” events due to COVID-19, but this benefit tends to be a black-tie evening loved by all. Although guests love seeing fellow supporters and the entertainment, the on-site animal ambassadors truly make this evening one to remember.