North Suburban Children's Benefit

This event, scheduled this year for November 11, generates fund for ongoing support of young people and nonprofit agencies that serve them. This, too, is an outgrowth of a member-oriented program of the former Optimists Club of Wilmette/Evanston. It began as a festive glug party for members and expanded into a raffle-based fundraiser.

The Foundation had retained the best aspects of that event, revised it to appeal to a broader community of supporters and sought to generate revenue through attendance and business sponsorships. Instead of selling raffle tickets at $125 each in pursuit of cash prizes that deplete the pool of funds available to benefits kids and community, the current event challenges the north suburban community to support the event through attendance, sponsorship and participation in a silent auction and on-site fundraising games.

The proceeds of this event fund the Foundation’s scholarship program (11 college scholarships awarded in 2009) as well as financial grants to youth-serving nonprofit agencies, e.g., Wilmette Youth Warming House, Links, The Harbour, Camp One Step, Evanston Environmental Association, North Suburban Special Recreation Association, Light Opera Works, Anetsberger Junior Golf Program and various junior athletic teams throughout the area.

Further information about attendance and sponsorship of this fundraising event is available here.