REVELRY AT ITS VERY BEST

Clarendon Hills resident Jen Alsman has long found a deeper meaning in her own chaotic life during the countless hours she has spent volunteering as part of the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) of Chicago.

“Many people ask me why I still do it,” remarks Alsman during an interview with Hinsdale Living. “But the truth is that I can’t imagine not doing it. I do it as much for them as it is for me.”

Indeed, as a functional nutrition practitioner, the urge to help others better themselves has always beat heavily within the heart of Alsman. But specifically, over the past eleven years, the mother of two has found her heart beat even faster for all those that benefit from the work of the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (IWS.)

“In this world, you can often feel somewhat helpless as to how to best help those that are hurting,” she says. “But ever since I began volunteering with IWS, I have been able to see firsthand how we are making a difference in the lives of so many people. And that has blessed me immensely.”

But yes, there is another reason she loves volunteering with IWS.

“I just love having an excuse to get my glam on,” Alsman laughs. “I definitely need to look for a dress with some fringe this year.”

Indeed, amid yet another dreary winter is the anticipation of a night of glitz and glamour at the Clarendon Hills chapter of Infant Welfare Society’s annual benefit on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Westin Hotel in Lombard.

“It’s something we look forward to all year long,” explains Alsman, who serves as the co-chair of the chapter’s annual benefit, which helps to raises money to help support the critical needs of medically underserved patients in the Chicagoland area through the extraordinary work of the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago (IWS). “I am looking forward to everyone embracing the ‘Roaring 20s’ theme and the community coming together to raise funds for a truly amazing organization.”

An exciting addition to this year’s event is dueling pianos, an interactive entertainment feature that is sure to keep the party going for the nearly 400 expected attendees long into the night. The revelry will continue with a premiere live auction. One of many items up for bid is a vacation package for a 3-4 night stay in a four-bedroom villa at the Four Seasons Napa Valley along with wine tastings for six at the Louis M. Marini Winery, the William Hills Estate and J Vineyards.

But as much as the night will surely entertain all those in attendance, there are also parts of the evening that are sure to turn somewhat emotional.

“What I am looking forward to most is seeing the whole community come together for an amazing night for an incredible cause,” explains Audrey Less, who serves as the co-President of the Clarendon Hills chapter of IWS and lives in Clarendon Hills with husband Patrick and their two children. “I always tear up during the speeches thinking about how much good we do for those who truly need us.”

Indeed, the chapter has raised close to $700,000 over the last five years to make it easier for struggling families in the Chicagoland area while also helping patients at the Angel Harvey Family Health Center, which offers an innovative healthcare model that integrates primary medical care, dentistry, optometry, child development, and behavioral health services in a single central location.

And while collectively helping the underserved throughout the year with additional events such as The Witches Ride and Luminaria, this blessed group of women that find themselves as a part of the Clarendon Hills chapter of IWS has become a family of sorts, all working together for a common cause.

“As a member of the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, you work closely with women you may otherwise have never interacted with,” remarks Alsman. “It’s a way to give back while expanding your social circle. Personally, this group brought me and my now business partner and dear friend closer together as we worked on the benefit’s silent auction team 10 years ago.”

“IWS has given me the opportunity to create lasting friendships with people I might not have met otherwise,” adds Less. “Clarendon Hills is a small town and people are always pulled in a million directions. But we come together for this. I will always be grateful for these women.”

Light Up The Night Roaring Twenties is February 3, 2024, at the Westin Lombard. Tickets and auction at CHIW2024.givesmart.com.