RADIANCE IN ACTION

Wellness House is woven into the texture of our community. We walk with the Crown Royals team and thousands of others in May and come October, we’re inspired at the Wellness House Ball. Always one of the most elegant evenings of the year, it’s also the most moving as the stories shared are those of hope, love, and strength. Last year there were 38,366 visits to Wellness House. It’s no wonder then, that this beloved event shines its radiant light on all the good that is accomplished in this very special place.

Taking place on Saturday, October 21 at the Geraghty Chicago, “Radiance” will celebrate the mission and impact of Wellness House and raise funds for its continued work under the warm glow of golden sunbursts and round tables, we

Co-Chairs Meaghan and Sean Daly and Briana and Peter Murray are guiding a stellar committee in presenting a memorable evening recognizing the many ways that Wellness House makes an impact on people with cancer. Cocktails and dinner will be followed by a live auction and paddle raise, along with a videotaped story from a Wellness House participant. Capping off this evening of impact, Deja Vu will provide live music with dancing until midnight.

Briana Murray came to know Wellness House in 2014 when her late mother visited for programs while fighting gallbladder cancer. She says, “As a new mom myself at the time, it was hard for me to navigate life after losing my mom. I later learned that Wellness House doesn’t just support the patient, they support the entire family. I wanted to make sure every person fighting alongside their loved one, realized that they too can find help and support.”

Murray adds, “I am so very humbled and honored to be asked to Chair this year’s Ball. For me personally, it is a way to honor my mother and everyone fighting their courageous battle. I think about other young daughters trying to navigate their loss and life without their moms, and it pushes me to work harder. I believe we must take our blessings in life and help others through struggles.”

Her co-chair Meaghan Daly adds, “This year, guests can expect to truly feel the impact of the Wellness House in the room – to feel a connection. My hope is that they leave with a sense of what Wellness House does, and why we do it.”

Murray says, “What I love most about Wellness House and this Gala is you see the direct impact that donations support. We, as the town of Hinsdale, are so blessed to have Wellness House in our backyard. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize it until they need its services. It’s amazing to be able to quantify exactly what the fundraising does; $25,000 will pay for more than 600 individual counseling sessions, $10,000 is one day of Wellness House operations, $5,000 represents 13 nutritional classes, $2500 covers eight Child & Family Group Sessions. Every dollar is so important.”

The co-chairs muse that every year guests leave the Wellness House Ball with a sense of not only what the organization does, but just how impactful the purpose and mission is for everyone. Murray says, “I will get texts from guests afterward saying they were so moved and want to get more involved – and they do. That speaks so well of our mission.”

The Geraghty is a new venue for the Ball, and the natural glamour of the place will be enhanced by the Kristina Taheri and Kehoe Designs. Radiance was chosen as the theme as an ode to the light that Wellness House is for so many. A cancer diagnosis is one of the darkest times in a patient and their family’s life, and Wellness House is often a guiding light during that difficult journey.

The famous Wellness House Wine Cellar will be making a comeback, too. Featuring something for everyone, the Wine Cellar offers a variety of fixed price wines available for purchase in advance, delivered directly to your table and enjoyed at the event. Those who can’t attend may make welcome donations, or purchase libations from the Wine Cellar wine which will be delivered to your home.

Murray sums up the goal of this dynamic team, “Our greatest hope for Radiance is that we blow our goal out of the water and are able to support the community and cancer patients, survivors, friends and family at NO COST for years and years and years to come.”

To purchase tickets or donate, please visit wellnesshouse.org.