Assistance League of Chicagoland West: September 2010

Books & Brunch - Preview Grand Prize

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Bella Cosa Jewelers located at Willowbrook Town Center, Plainfield Road and Route 83, for donating stunning 1.50 carat diamond hoop earrings (MSRP $2,100). Thanks to Pat Mrozek and Diane Mrozek for introducing Bella Cosa to Assistance League of Chicagoland West and our upcoming Books and Brunch fundraiser. Raffle tickets are $15 each or 5 for $50. You can visit Bella Cosa's website at   Bella Cosa Jewelers

Operation School Bell knee deep in coats

Becky Moats eager to get to work

The Operation School Bell team led by co-chairs Maureen McKenna and Linda Gonnella have spent much of September unpacking large boxes of coats, hats and gloves and repacking them for distribution to students at more than a dozen DuPage County schools. The philanthropy is expected to hand-out between 1,700 and 1,800 coats this season.

Betty Cronin and Marie Rossi label coat bags for students

Becky helps fill bags

Maureen oversees the busy volunteers

Maureen and Linda
take a break to smile for photographer Marie Raffl

Carla's comments

Carla Feinkind, ALCW president; Trish Reider, VP of Membership; and Madelon Pearlman, a past president and member of the National Assistance League board as Resource Development recently returned from the National Assistance League Conference held September 12-16 in New Orleans. Read Carla's insightful comments below.

On the Conference:
There were many interesting speakers and many networking opportunities. The most exciting new development on the national level concerns the virtual community. We already have an excellent website with all of our documents and events there for members to access as well as a way to easily enter service hours. Now, National is encouraging Facebook as a way of reaching chapter communities and those beyond. Watch for developments on this front....and yes we can help you become a supporter and user of Assistance League of Chicagoland West on Facebook.

On Our Chapter:
One surprising thing is that though we are a small group in terms of numbers, membership and budget, our chapter is held up as an innovative and "happening" chapter! Everyone knew who we are for several reasons.

OUR 990 - Chicagoland has the best 990 (an IRS tax form). Our 990 is now sent out to guilds and struggling chapters as a model to emulate! We impress and are impressive.

BOOKS AND BRUNCH - Several other chapters will be holding their first book and author event after learning about ours and hearing that it is an excellent PR opportunity that we have successfully maximized.

PHILANTHROPY - Our programs are also seen as an excellent and effective use of our budget in order to make a real and impacting difference in people's lives. Everyone at the conference kept referring to the difficult times that our nation is facing. Those most affected are the vulnerable in our communities. You can really be proud that we are recognized as a group that makes a big impact on those who most need our help. We ARE a shining example of Caring and Commitment in Action.

LOOKING FORWARD - This is our year to celebrate our members and we will be using Facebook to help us do so. It has been 15 years since a tiny group of California transplants said Chicagoland needs some Assistance League style....Caring and Commitment in Action. Look at us NOW.

"Cocktails for a Cause" Party

Immediate past president Marguerite Spangehl meets with current president
Carla Feinkind and husband Leonard

On Saturday evening, August 28th, Assistance League members and their husbands enjoyed Cocktails for a Cause, organized by JoAnn Slezak and Judy Casten.

Judy and husband Tom graciously opened their lovely Hinsdale home to us. New members, charter members and invited guests came out to kick start another year of caring and commitment in action.

We enjoyed a sumptuous spread and plenty of wine. Judy even baked mouth-watering pies. Thanks to JoAnn and Judy for dreaming up and then organizing a fun evening that attracted new, current and original chapter friends and added a total of $3,324 to the coffers. Thanks to Marie Raffl for all the great photos.