ANTIQUES & TREASURES in the Field, hosted by the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society, is one of those beloved, must-attend September fundraisers that has become synonymous with the kickoff of fall. This year, it will be held on Sunday, September 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fields behind Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest.

“We’re always surprised that even in years where it seems to rain all day, we somehow make more money than we did the year before,” says Chrissy Davis, president of the Lake Forest chapter.

All proceeds from Antiques & Treasures benefit IWS Family Health, once called the Angel Harvey Family Health Center, funded by the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society. The Logan Square-based health center in Chicago provides heathcare services and education to medically underserved and vulnerable families in the Chicagoland area. At IWS Family Health, their goal is to build a community of children and families with healthy bodies and minds.

One of the first stops shoppers often make is to the Treasures Tent that features donations from local families and estates, as well as from Anna Schuster, owner of Anna’s Mostly Mahogany store in Highwood.

“Anna is long-time honorary member of the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society,” says co-chair Shannon Shader, who along with Courtney Magliochetti, is overseeing this fundraiser. “What most people don’t know is that Anna has donated 100% of her proceeds to Infant Welfare every year that she has been a part of it. It only seems right that she is recognized for her incredibly generous contributions.”

The nearly 30+ vendors for this year’s event have been carefully curated under the watchful eye of board member Eva Rice. Besides the Showhouse & Gardens event that the Lake Forest chapter hosts every other year, Antiques & Treasures in the Field is the biggest fundraiser for IWS Family Health. “The antique sale is one of the best events we have,” adds Davis, who says that the chapter has recently begun introducing smaller fundraising events, including a recent book signing at the beautiful home of a board member. “It brings the community together, builds our board, and significantly supports the efforts of Infant Welfare.”

In addition to the Treasures Tent, Antiques & Treasures raises money with an entrance fee, vendor booth fee, food trucks, and bake sale. This year, donations will also be collected specifically for an IWS Family Health’s wish list item—an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to do heart screenings.

“In 2021, we turned our Junior Board of grade school high school students loose collecting donations,” Davis says. “They raised more than $1,800 for a machine the clinic asked for that detects lead paint in a patient’s bloodstream. I have a hunch these students will be even more successful this year.”

Admission to Antiques & Treasures in the Field is $10; children under 12 are free. For more information or to donate an item, visit lakeforestantiquesale.com.