The women behind the North Shore Board for the Northwestern Settlement’s House in the Wood Gala 2017, from left: Co-chairs Vicki Kastory of Northbrook and Melissa Corley of Winnetka; Board President Amy O’Donnell of Winnetka, and (seated) Tina Barr of Winnetka, also a co-chair. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER/JWC MEDIA
The North Shore Board of Northwestern Settlement will host its main fundraiser on October 21 in Chicago to support House in the Wood camp, which provides enriching experiences to children from some of Chicago’s most economically disadvantaged communities.
Idyllically located on Lake Delavan in Wisconsin, House in the Wood gives children a traditional summer camp experience, and it also includes a nature center where STEM-based educational programs are held throughout the year.
The nature center was made possible through the North Shore Board’s fundraising efforts and its supporters.
“It is evidence of how loyal the supporters are who have been coming back since 1936,” said Vicki Kastory of Northbrook, one of three co-chairs of the House in the Wood Gala.
In 2016 the event raised $475,000 to benefit the camp. Many of the board members rely on skills developed in the corporate world to plan the event. “It’s a great network of women,” said Tina Barr of Winnetka, another of the Gala’s co-chairs.
The year 1936 marks the founding of the North Shore Board to exclusively support House in the Wood. While initially the board raised money by selling members’ own handiwork, over time the fundraisers became more sophisticated.
Eventually North Shore Board’s main fundraiser became a large event held at the Four Seasons known as the Glitter Ball. The name was changed to House in the Wood Gala to connect the event to the camp.
This year, for the first time, House in the Wood Gala will be held at Morgan Manufacturing.
“Like the camp, the event always evolves and stays on trend for our guests,” Kastory noted.
Morgan Manufacturing is “industrial chic,” with rustic wood tables that play up the gala’s camp theme. The farm-to-table menu will include Wisconsin cheeses and local produce. Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts band — son of Rick Nielsen of the popular 1980s’ band Cheap Trick —will entertain guests with music influenced by rock ’n’ roll and 1960s’ soul.
“It should be a fun band for the venue,” said Gala co-chair Melissa Corley of Winnetka.
The black-tie optional event will include a silent and live auction, as well as a fund-a-need program that will allow supporters to sponsor a camper. For the second time, the board is offering packages with an all-inclusive weekend at the camp for up to 50 guests. The beautiful setting on a lake with cabins, outdoor activities and a new nature center makes House in the Wood ideal for family reunions or corporate getaways.
In addition to organizing the House in the Wood Gala, board members also visit the camp and lead activities throughout the year. One board member taught an art class, another board member who is a caterer held a cooking class, while other members held pilates and yoga classes.
“There are so many women (on the board) with gifts and talents that they share,” Kastory said.
House in The Wood Gala will be held on October 21 at 6 p.m. at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 North Morgan Street, Chicago. Open to the public, online reservations and an auction preview are available at www.northshoreboard.org.