The Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago prepares to kick off its annual luncheon with a tribute to fashionista trends through the years. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
As the world continues to find ways to magnify our differences, fashion has always been a way to unite us. From our collective love of the little black dress to our collective adoration for the perfect purse, our passion for fashion and our pursuit of fashionable choices has a way of bringing us together like nothing else—no matter what.
Fashion also serves as the perfect theme of one of Hinsdale’s most anticipated charity events. On Sunday, March 11, the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago’s annual Tablescapes luncheon will unveil “Life in Silhouette,” a gala event that pays tribute to the history and trends of fashion— from boho chic, athleisure, the little black dress, haute couture, rustic charm and true prep.
“I am so excited for our theme this year,” says Lisa Haines, one of the event chairs. “Fashion choices are significant, as our style and the clothes we choose to wear reflect and can affect our mood and overall confidence. Clothes are a means to express how we feel and how we feel about others, that’s for sure.”
“We try to keep the theme fresh every year,” adds Catherine Ann Welch, president of the local chapter. “When we began discussing the theme of this year’s event, we frankly couldn’t believe a fashion theme had never been done. It’s wonderful to have a chance to celebrate everyone’s love of fashion.”
Of course, while one’s love for fashion has remained rather consistent throughout the year, the event continues to evolve, with organizers keeping in mind how the dining table has in fact changed in today’s ever-changing world.
“There was a time when the tables had eight glasses and eight plates,” recalls Welch of the event, which had its biggest year ever in 2016, raising more than $127,000 for the Infant Welfare Society. “But these days, a table setting could be used for anything from a girls’ get together to getting the family to finally sit down around the kitchen island for a quick bite. It’s a much more casual feel these days and Tablescapes is focused a tad more about ideas of how to accessorize your house and entertain with a theme.”
And while the fashion and the tables and the luxurious raffle offerings are enough to ensure that Tablescapes remains one of the most popular social gatherings of the year (drawing more than 500 attendees last year), it’s also important to remember the importance of the event to all those who benefit from the services offered by the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.
“Infant Welfare Society is an amazing organization to be a part of,” remarks Haines. “Our chapter of 37 women works together to make a difference in many lives of men, women, and children at the center. It’s rewarding to give back to others when so many of us are blessed to have so much. The goal of the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society is to positively influence the lives of those families who depend on quality medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare services provided.”
And sometimes, it can be so easy to forget that those services are far from a given for so many in the country today.
“I feel like I’m so very blessed,” Haines says quietly. “I take for granted all that I have. And I think we all take for granted the people that we surround ourselves with. I feel like this event is the perfect excuse to be with and connect with people from one’s community to support an amazing cause.”
“Life in Silhouette” will be held 11am to 2:30pm on Sunday, March 11, at Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Road in Oak Brook, 630-850-5555, oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com. Tickets are available at hinsdaletablescapes.com.
