OFF to the RACES

Hinsdale Chapter of Children’s Home and Aid to Hold 68th Annual Derby Day Party

By Katy Altemose

The Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Children’s Home and Aid will hold its 68th annual Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 at Butterfield Country Club in Oakbrook, IL. “We are thrilled to continue our rich tradition this May of celebrating the Kentucky Derby while also raising much-needed funds for such a worthy non-profit,” said Laura Glenn, President of the Hinsdale Chapter of Children’s Home and Aid. “We hope that even more residents from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Oakbrook and other surrounding areas will attend our event this year, or consider a donation to Children’s Home and Aid,” Glenn added. Founded in 1883, Children’s Home and Aid currently services approximately 30,000 families throughout the state of Illinois. The organization offers welfare services, counseling and treatment programs, support for parents as well as childcare and early education programs. The local Derby party has historically had between 130 and 150 guests and has raised an average of $125,000 in recent years.

Natalie Ryan (2022 Event Chair), current Hinsdale Chapter President Laura Glenn, and Anne Fiascone (2022 Event Chair) at the Derby Day event last year

This year, the group hopes to increase attendance to 200 people and raise $150,000 or more. Organizers plan to achieve this goal through a live auction, wine auction, raffle, and through sponsorships from generous individuals and businesses. The event will begin with a cocktail hour, when guests can watch the Kentucky Derby, buy raffle tickets and participate in the wine auction. Dinner and dancing will follow, along with a live auction run by NBC Chicago affiliate Lauren Petty Stoltz. Guests will also hear stories about those who have benefited from Children’s Home and Aid so they can learn about the organization’s enormous impact. “Our mission at Children’s Home and Aid is to end the need for foster care,” said Sara Irmen, who spearheads the fundraising at Children’s Home and Aid. “We know that the family unit is the largest asset to any child, so if we can support parents so they can continue living with their children, then we’ve achieved our mission,” Irmen added F or more than 140 years, Children’s Home and Aid has helped Illinois families at home, in the classroom, and in the community. The organization has more than 60 programs throughout the state of Illinois and serves nearly 30,000 children and families each year in over 65 counties. To purchase tickets to this year’s Derby party or to donate, please visit: childrenshomeandaid.org events.

*Photos by Bonnie Robinson