Hinsdale Juniors earn for Regional Rock Star Award

Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club recently stepped up to the plate to answer a call for help by those directly impacted by COVID-19 - the village's frontline heroes at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale.

Given HJWC's long-standing track record of fundraising for local organizations (over the past five years the club has raised more than $1 million for nonprofits) hospital staff knew the club would take action.

"When HJWC's leadership received word of the hospital's ask, we knew we had to make this grant happen for the hospital, for the frontline workers and for our local community," said Lauren Kavanaugh, 2020-21 HJWC president. "We feel fortunate to have been able to help during this uncertain and difficult time."

Hospital staff shared a wish list of various medical items needed to better care for COVID-19 patients. The result was a donation to the hospital on behalf of the club in the amount of $19,210 to purchase three handheld echo cardiology machines and one portable patient monitor.

And in recognition, HJWC has been named a "Regional Rock Star" - a newly-formed award recognizing those community leaders and organizations going above and beyond to help others during this pandemic. The awards are a collaborative effort of Amita Health, Community Memorial Foundation, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, the West Central Municipal Conference and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

According to Suzi Wirtz, president and CEO of WSCCI, the award was created to tell the stories of individuals and organizations who are doing things that inspire hope for others and to help illustrate what it means to be "in this together."

"Our group of community partner organizations was proud to share HJWC's story of an exemplary organization doing something good for a group of people who, too, are making the region a better place for everyone," Wirtz said.

To nominate an individual or organization for the Regional Rock Star Award, visit https://www.wscci.org.

Kitchen Walk anniversary celebrated virtually

Hinsdaleans took to their kitchens May 8 for a virtual celebration of what would have been the 15th anniversary of the Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk in an effort to raise money for the Hinsdale Historical Society.

The social media blitz offered glimpses into the kitchens of all who wanted to participate. Past and current chairs, including Kitchen Walk co-founder Penny Bohnen, toasted viewers via Facebook and Instagram to share their favorite part of their kitchens. All were asked to share photos of their own kitchens, or past Kitchen Walk memories, with the hashtag #kitchensofhinsdalecooks.

The nonprofit encouraged followers to donate $15 in honor of the Kitchen Walk's 15 years. The campaign raised $2,200.

"It was so much fun looking at the posts on Instagram and Facebook the day of the Kitchen Walk," said Emily Van Houtte, event co-chair, said. "I am so excited to see what fabulous homes will be on the 2021 Kitchen Walk."

Additionally, the Hinsdale parkways took on vibrant colors as the society's volunteers wrapped the frontage trees in pink and green ribbons of 80 past and current homes showcased on the walk.

To make a donation to the Hinsdale Historical Society's $15 for 15 campaign, visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/ODQwMzA=.

- Alexis Braden of Hinsdale is the paper's society columnist. Readers can email her at [email protected].