From Mike McCurry’s “Talk of the Town” column in The Clarendon Courier, January 18, 2018
Images of famous Hollywood actresses from 1920’s come to mind as I think about the upcoming Clarendon Hills auxiliary Chapter of Infant Welfare of Chicago (IWC) benefit. Clara Bow, the “it” girl, defined sex appeal, and helped usher in the flapper dresses that we’ll admire as they stroll down our red carpet this coming January 27.
Unlike the ladies at the recent Golden Globes, who appropriately wore black in solidarity, we’ll see lots of color here, and maybe even some bobbed haircuts and cloche hats. Their escorts could even sport a tuxedo or maybe a three-piece pinstripe, just like Rudolph Valentino wore back in those “roaring” days.
At this event, dressing up vintage Hollywood will be all the rage, especially as you make your way to the step-and-repeat backdrop or on the dance floor, where the paparazzi’s flash will capture the moment for celebrities of Clarendon Hills.
With over 300 people attending, this is one of the largest and most popular charities that get the support of our residents. Between the luminaria sales, gala, and other events last year, they raised over $95,000. The superstars of the night are truly the 50 board members in the chapter, who work tirelessly for this cause.
“I originally joined Infant Welfare as a way to meet people in my town, but I quickly realized I was part of an organization whose mission I could quickly get behind,” said Brittany Crooks chair of this year’s IWS benefit. “As a mother, having quality healthcare for my family is very important, and every day Infant Welfare is helping underprivileged mothers in Chicago gain access to that same quality care for their families. I love that the money we raise supports a fantastic clinic that serves as a one stop shop for the entire family’s healthcare needs.”
IWS ‘s Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago is located in the heart of the West Logan Square neighborhood, where the clinic serves children and families who are in need of health services. The clinic is known for their “barrier-free” access to optometry, dental, pediatric and adolescent health and Child Centered Health and Advanced Therapy. According to the society’s website, “More than 13,000 patients benefit annually from the Health Center’s quality care which is provided at minimal and/or no cost to those unable to pay.”
This is the real reason that the local Clarendon Hills chapter is involved in raising funds.
Julia Costello, who is the current president of Clarendon Hills chapter, recently said that she encourages the board members to take a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities in chicago, and to see all the wonderful services they provides to the community.
Julia and her husband Dan are a powerhouse volunteer family in town. Dan, who is part of Home Run Inn ownership, is also the President of Clarendon Hills Little League. With all of the charitable events going on around town, It seems to me Home Run Inn Pizza shows up to most of them. And this event won’t be an exception to that: they have donated their delicious Pizza for a late-night treat to all patrons.
This year’s “Sparkle” benefit is held at Butterfield Country Club on January 27, and will feature live music by the amazingly-entertaining, dance-invoking, Libido Funk Circus. So while you are contemplating your dress for this evening, don’t hesitate to order a flapper, or that special designer bow tie, and be like one of the Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet and on the dance floor.
Mike is a Clarendon Hills resident; husband; Indian Princess; Indian Guide Dad; a Coach; an “old” football player and a real estate broker. Mike’s columns are usually crafted about the buzz in and around the area. It sometimes has a spin on real estate or cultural information, highlight a new business or announce school happenings. He might include a “get-to-know” about some of our interesting residents and even a little about history. Whatever it is, it is sure to be about the “Talk of the Town”.