EVERYONE HAS their own unique story about Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and what it means to them and their family.

For Kathy Ivinjack, a Women’s Board co-chair for the Holiday Boutique and Opening Night Party, an experience with her son inspired her to get involved.

“He had an extremely rare and dangerous vascular condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome,” she explains. “The Emergency Department staff was outstanding at diagnosing and beginning treatment as well as providing a calm, caring service to my son and me. Surgical staff members were also top notch. As a team overall, they made a terrifying situation a little bit better and I’ll be grateful forever.”

Her fellow co-chair, Simone Asmussen, also has a family connection to the Women’s Board and its mission to support the hospital.

“I was asked to join the board shortly after my mother-in-law, a former nurse, died. My in-laws lived in Lake Forest and loved having the hospital in their community,” she says. “They believed it was an amazing resource and always were extremely pleased with the care they received there. I wanted to give back to an institution that my mother-in-law held in such high esteem and felt like I could honor her memory by being involved with the women’s board.”

Among the many projects the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board champions is its annual Holiday Boutique—a fundraiser favorite that pairs in-demand designers, premium vendors, and a shared interest in supporting all the hospital means to the North Shore.

This year’s 43rd annual event promises to be one of the best yet, with 15% of all sales benefiting behavioral health services at Lake Forest Hospital. The excitement starts on Thursday, November 17, with the Holiday Boutique Opening Night Party, which takes place from 6 to 9 pm at the Lake Forest Recreation Center.

“It’s a few events all rolled up in one night,” says Ivinjack.

“First, it’s an opportunity to shop early. Many of our vendors are selling one-of-a-kind, limited production pieces, so it’s best to get there early to scoop up some of the hottest items.”

But the fun doesn’t stop there, continues Ivinjack. “Second, it’s also a cocktail party, with a little wine, a little nibble and lots of conversation with friends.

Third, in our opinion, it’s the unofficial kick off to the holidays. This is a great opportunity to check off some holiday shopping while directly helping our local hospital.”

Then, the boutique will open to the general public from 9 am to 6 pm on Friday, November 18, and from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, November 19.

As Holiday Boutique co-chair Diana Webb explains, it is more important than ever to provide crucial access to necessary outpatient services with the goal of reducing behavioral health crises and shortening the wait time for patients to receive effective treatment.

Jane Duncan, who is also a co-chair, adds “Proceeds from the 2022 Women’s Board Holiday Boutique will help support behavioral health services at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.”

Christie Theis, Lindsey Chabraja, and Diana Webb join Duncan, Ivinjack, and Asmussen as co-chairs in creating a shopping extravaganza to remember.

This event also feels extra special because it marks a return to in-person festivities for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This event is a critical piece of our fundraising goal and we look forward to welcoming all of our shoppers and supporters back,” adds Asmussen.

The women’s board held its 75th anniversary gala earlier this year, another milestone many of them have been working on for years. While it was postponed a few times during the pandemic, when the event finally happened, it was also a milestone fundraising success.

This month’s Holiday Boutique promises to be equally epic.

Festivities kick off with the Opening Night Preview Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, which simultaneously celebrates all the board’s hard work but also invites shoppers for exclusive opportunities and even a signature cocktail. The boutique continues from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, November 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 19.

“We held a virtual boutique and an in-town shopping event during the pandemic and both were amazing,” Asmussen says. “However, nothing can beat actually seeing merchandise and having a vast selection from which to choose over the course of a few days. It’s more festive to be together and I think this year will be a very successful boutique!”

The Women’s Board of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Holiday Boutique will be held at the Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, in Lake Forest. For more information, visit foundation.nm.org/womens-board-of-northwestern-lake-forest-hospital.