9th annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser most successful ever

Led by Honorary Co-Chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts and event Co-Chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) raised a record $610,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s ninth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at The Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet Home Chicago has become Chicago’s most successful brunch fundraiser. This year’s benefit brings the total bottom line from this benefit to more than $4 million to help support WINGS’ Safe House.

More than 480 people, approximately one-half children—who decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for a family portrait by photographer Curtis Newborn and danced to a concert by Ralph’s World—enjoyed a delicious brunch.

Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago area. Ninety-eight percent of WINGS’ operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops. For more information, call 847-519-7820 ext. 212 or visit wingsprogram.com.

(Photo credit: Waldemar Reichert)