VITAL FUNDRAISING

AT THE FIRST MEETING following one of the most successful showhouses in its chapter’s history, board members of the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society (IWS) had a surprise for their president Chrissy Davis.

“It was so kind,” says Davis, overcome with tears as she tells the story. “I was wrapping up a chapter meeting at my house. My living room was full of our amazing volunteers. Then Jennifer Mower and Sara Georgi, two past chapter presidents, along with our current vice president Wendy Franzen said, ‘We have a surprise for you. Our chapter would like to dedicate the new pediatric vital stations in your honor.’ I started to cry. I was so surprised and moved that they wanted to do this for me. This chapter is family and the record amount of money we raised would not have occurred without the help of each and every member.”

Founded in 1911 with a mission to provide fresh milk in response to high infant mortality rates, the IWS Family Health Center now provides an array of comprehensive medical services to Chicago’s underserved men, women, and children through its Logan Square clinic. The Lake Forest Chapter of IWS is part of the Auxiliary of IWS Family Health, which raises money for the IWS Family Health. The Auxiliary is a nonprofit organization comprised of seven chapters located throughout the Chicago area. Since its inception, the Auxiliary has donated more than $142 million to IWS and is its largest donor year after year.

Biannually, the Lake Forest Chapter of IWS hosts a designer showhouse as its primary fundraiser. In 2023, under Davis’ direction, the Lake Forest Chapter debuted a stunning home designed by William Frazier in 1969—set on nine acres of beautifully landscaped property, including a five-acre conservation area.

A total of 34 interior designers and eight landscape designers lent their creative expertise to transform these spaces into captivating works of art that resonated with visitors from across the Chicago area and nationally. The fundraiser kicked off with an amazing opening night Preview Party, generously catered by the jdR family of companies, and saw a remarkable turnout of over 650 guests. Then over the course of four weeks, a staggering 8,000 guests visited the property, raising more than $800,000.

“Our chapter was so excited to learn that the 2023 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens raised the most money in our 40-year history of running showhouses,” Davis says. “Over the years, we’ve questioned whether managing a showhouse is the most effective way to fundraise for the clinic. Our 85 board members make the commitment to work on this event for an entire year. We always come back to the fact that the showhouse is much more than a fundraiser. It brings together so many elements—the board, our local community, corporate sponsors, talented designers, landscapers, and contractors. As we’re working together, we’re raising much needed money for IWS, we’re giving exposure to emerging as well as established designers, and we’re highlighting the important services that IWS Family Health provides. It’s a lot of work, but in the end, I think everyone involved agrees that it is well worth the effort.”

The clinic provides health care services and education to medically underserved and vulnerable families. The mission of IWS Family Health Center is to provide a continuum of integrated, quality, and preventative health services to children and their families, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives.

“At the end of the showhouse, we delighted in sending a large donation to IWS,” Davis says. “The clinic leadership decides where the money can be best used and meet the most immediate needs. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with more passionate and hardworking people than Jerry Isikoff (CEO of IWS Family Health) and Michelle Di Benedetto (Chief Strategy Officer). They care so deeply about the clinic families and are such wonderful stewards of the Auxiliary’s donations.”

The 2023 Showhouse & Gardens was the19th to be held by the Lake Forest Chapter. Additionally, this same chapter hosted its 55th annual Antiques & Treasures event in September. These tried-and-true events raise critical funding and support efforts like the Angel Baby Diaper Bag program. This program gives new mothers diaper bags complete with the necessities they need to care for their infant. Recently, the Lake Forest Chapter also received a donation from the family of past board president Janie Cooper. This money was used to open “Janie’s Kitchen,” a beautiful new food pantry inside the IWS Family Health Center that offers pantry staples, bread, dairy products, and fresh produce to patients through a partnership with the Chicago Food Depository.

The new pediatric vital stations dedicated in Davis’ honor will open this spring. Because these stations are often the first point of entry for a patient, the clinic wants this space to be especially warm, happy, and comforting for the young children who are often scared when they come in for care. It makes perfect sense that this newly renovated space carries the name of the woman who worked so hard to make it possible.

“Chrissy is not only an extraordinary leader, but she is also one of the hardest working and kindest humans I’ve ever worked with—a rare combination in this world,” says Franzen. “Above all, she is a tireless champion of IWS Family Health. It gives our chapter tremendous pride and joy to make this donation in her name.”

To make a donation or learn more about IWS Family Health, visit iwsfamilyhealth.org.