SHINING BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club radiates as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. This March, HJWC invites guests to celebrate its diamond year by stepping back in time and reveling in the allure of Old Hollywood glamour with the dazzling theme: Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.

Each year, the HJWC Benefit is a celebration to support the club’s mission of championing local charities and scholarships. With over $5.1 million raised to date, the club’s efforts uplift women and children across Chicagoland, empower organizations, create vital educational opportunities, and reinforce the club’s commitment to community advocacy and meaningful impact.

This past 2023-2024 club year has been a shining testament to the club’s commitment to community impact. HJWC awarded $15,000 in scholarships to four exceptional local students pursuing higher education—investing in their futures and the next generation of leaders and innovators. Members also hosted two essential drives, collecting diapers and feminine hygiene products for families in need. The club’s fall fashion show, “Leather and Lace,” raised funds to support scholarships for local young women and grants for area charities. Additionally, HJWC members brought holiday cheer by purchasing and wrapping 288 gifts for 84 families. This year also saw HJWC raise over $301,000, making a lasting difference in countless lives and showcasing the club’s dedication to local communities.

In total, members dedicated 550 volunteer hours to 17 nonprofit organizations, supporting food banks, shelters, and local events. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our executive board, committee chairs, members, and generous sponsors, we’ve made an incredible mark that will be felt for years to come,” says Caitlin Jecklin, managing chair. HJWC is excited to keep traditions alive and make an even bigger impact in the coming year.

To toast its success and the club’s diamond year, HJWC promises the benefit gala will be as sparkling as its theme.

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend will be held at The Dalcy in the West Loop and will have a red carpet entrance to set the tone for a night of Old Hollywood luster. It will also feature a VIP Walk of Fame complete with photo ops, a silent auction with luxurious prizes, a paddle-raise live auction, delectable appetizers, live entertainment, and a DJ to dance the night away.

This year’s planning process was a natural extension of the committee’s shared vision. “It’s been a seamless, rewarding experience blending creative expression with a cause we deeply believe in,” says Liz Ewing, sponsorship chair. “This milestone deserves nothing short of a show-stopping celebration, and we’ve brought together our diverse talents and networks to make it sparkle.”

Jecklin, an influencer with Once Upon a Dollhouse and a seasoned social media consultant, brings a creative edge, while Christina Angelos, an intuitive abstract artist and digital educator at Christina Angelos Studios, adds artistic flair and expertise. Ewing, leading sponsorship efforts, has successfully secured new partnerships that have been invaluable to the event’s success. Together, their unique perspectives have played a key role in shaping the benefit gala.

“We’re particularly thrilled about this year’s first live auction, where guests can raise their paddles for once-in-alifetime vacations and exquisite diamond jewelry donated by our generous sponsors,” says Ewing.

“Your winning bid isn’t just about scoring something spectacular,” says Angelos. “Not only are you directly impacting the lives of so many deserving individuals, but the cherry on top is it’s also a tax write-off and the perfect way to indulge while supporting a great cause. We can’t wait to see the energy and excitement this new addition brings to the night!”

Tiffany Adams and Kristen Ori are this year’s auction chairs who continue to connect with local businesses and touch base with members for must-have items to help raise money for HJWC’s cause. “They are solely in charge of putting together our amazing silent auction and facilitating our live paddle raise at the benefit gala,” says Ewing. “They are both the perfect candidates for this position, and they have a kind and caring attitude toward all our members.”

Christine Gebauer, club secretary, plays a dual role as the benefit’s PR chair. “She has honed the club’s tone of voice on social media to represent an inclusive environment that puts plenty of fun in fundraising,” says Jecklin. “With so much social media expertise on our team, we’re creating top-tier content that connects with our desired demographic making it a win-win for everyone involved.”

This generosity has created a ripple effect that will continue to shape lives for many years. “We are so incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and so grateful for each and every person who played a part in this journey,” says Jecklin. “Lauren Markham is an exceptional president. She’s fully trusted our talented committee and offers sage advice stepping in when needed.”

For attire inspiration for the benefit, look no further than the timeless glamour of Old Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sammy Davis Jr.—this style perfectly embodies the opulence and allure of the event. “We can’t wait to see everyone’s interpretations!” says Angelos.

For 75 years, the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club has been dedicated to enriching the lives of its members, their families, and local communities. Its mission is to provide a network of resources and opportunities while serving as a leader in volunteerism and philanthropy.

For tickets to the HJWC Benefit “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” visit hjwc.us.