The Hinsdale Humane Society’s Howl-o-Ween Ball promises a spooktacular night for all on Saturday, October 28. Sarah Vossoughi, Laura Glosniak, Mistie Lucht, Kristen Venetsanopoulos, Reem Hassaballa. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Even though Hinsdale’s Mistie Lucht is a busy mom to three young girls, she always makes time for her work at the Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS).
“There is so much need in the world right now that it feels good to be able to give back and make a difference with an organization that touches so many people within our community,” Lucht says. “It’s an exciting time to be involved with HHS as we make plans to move into a larger space.”
At press time, HHS was in the final phases of negotiation with the sellers of the Robert Crown Center. “HHS has considered moving for some time, but when the Robert Crown Center came up for sale, it seemed like a natural place for us to be,” says Tom Van Winkle, the new executive director at HHS. “The organization has evolved so much in its 65-year history that the new space will allow us to expand even further.”
Van Winkle is quick to add how wonderful it has been work with the Robert Crown Center and the Village of Hinsdale on HHS’s future new space. “If all continues to go as well as it has so far, I hope HHS will be open for business in its new home next fall,” he says.
To support its community outreach, HHS is hosting its annual costume ball on Saturday, October 28. And on the heels of such a successful gala last year, HHS will host the event for the second year in a row at Room & Board Oak Brook.
The Howl-o-Ween Ball is a costume ball for adults, featuring a deejay from Fig Media, cocktails, heavy appetizers from Taste of Home catering, desserts, live and silent auctions, a paddle raise, and more. The event raises funds for the shelter’s operations, community services, special programs, and this year will also help raise funds for the shelter’s future, larger home at the current Robert Crown Center in Hinsdale.
“Our Howl-o-Ween Ball guests come in such incredible costumes,” says Lucht, who is chairing the Howl-o-Ween Ball this year. “The evening is so much fun from start to finish, but it’s fun with a purpose and for a great cause—helping more homeless animals and providing animal welfare services for the community.”
Room & Board, a high quality modern furnishings retail showroom, has been a sponsor and friend of HHS since 2013, and provides its showroom space and staff to the shelter at no charge, allowing this event to generate even more funds to help continue our mission.
“It’s really important for people to understand that even though ‘Hinsdale’ is in our name, we really are a regional center in terms of the services we provide and the help we give. We truly are here for everyone,” says Van Winkle.
Howl-o-Ween Ball tickets are $150 each. For more information about HHS or to purchase tickets, visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org.
