WONDERLAND

To thrive for more than 70 years, an organization must evolve. For Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, each evolution levels up of the community impact of these dynamic leaders and dedicated volunteers.

HJWC is more welcoming, more vibrant, and more digital than ever. Perhaps owing to the large number of new families who have moved to the area in the last three years, membership is booming. This is evident by the yard signs proudly displayed in front of so many houses. Even more so, it is evidenced by the large turnout of members at events such as the Jingle Dash, when festively attired runners and walkers took over the streets of Hinsdale to support funding scholarships.

The women in the group are highly accomplished and full of fresh ideas for philanthropy. In 2018, HJWC moved to a grant fundraising model to help fund tangible items with lasting impact for deserving organizations. This year HJWC had 60 nonprofit organizations apply for over $1.6 million in grant requests. These grant requests are imperative for the organizations to help serve their community and clients. Recent recipients include DuPage Pads, Gigi’s Playhouse, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Refugee One, and By The Hand Club for Kids. “It’s so rewarding to get to know the organizations when they apply for a grant, to see them in action as they help so many, and then to present them with their grant and understand all the good that will be accomplished,” says HJWC president Jaclyn McNamara.

To raise the incredible sums that go to the chosen organizations, HJWC throws a much-anticipated spring benefit. Attracting upward of 450 attendees, HJWC benefit is carefully planned to delight every single person who walks in the door. Working on the committee has become a rite of passage for many of the area’s most dynamic volunteers with lifelong friendships forged over planning and working with sponsors.

The Benefit chairs have procured a number of local sponsors whose donations go straight to funding grants. This year’s top sponsors so far include The Knowles Family Foundation, Paul Mancini with @Properties, Pugi Mazda, and Aaron Wealth Advisors.

This year’s Benefit is themed “Wonderland.” Guests will go down the rabbit hold on April 22, 2023, at Untitled Supper Club. With the rich iconography of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as inspiration, delights are surprises are sure to be found around every corner.

Benefit chairs Alyssa Doorhy, Ashley Keely, Amanda Mancini, Jennie Patricoski, Nadia Shamsi, Molly Sikora, and Chelsea Urban are planning for music, magician, and culinary temptations including a live Champagne wall, whisky tastings, and a decadent dessert display reminiscent of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

For many people, that’s more than enough to be considered a great night on the town. But this group of innovators wondered how to push things along in the name of raising more. A selection of extraordinary add-ons are available in limited quantities for those who really want to go big. The Celebrity Lounge will have a private bar and dedicated servers, plus a meet and greet with the rakish pillow entrepreneur Craig Conover from Bravo’s Southern Charm.

The multisensory event will build on the success of last year’s GIVECHella. “Everyone loves a traditional dinner dance but having different activities and areas to spread out makes it easier for everyone to enjoy themselves. You can move around and pack a lot of experiences into one phenomenal night,” says McNamara.

Wonderland should be HJWC’s best benefit ever, at least until next year when they’ll top themselves again. As with most hot tickets, these are selling fast. Those who are planning to join the fun should not wait. The 2020s are finally roaring, especially at the event of the year.

HJWC benefit, Wonderland, is April 22, 2023 at Untitled Supper Club in Chicago. Tickets, VIP add-ons and more information can be found at hjwc.us. If you would like to support this cause as a sponsor or donate an auction item, please reach out to [email protected].