It was a sold-out sensation for the Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital when over 300 guests dressed in breezy Bahama-worthy garb for The Cabana Club, its annual Summer Soirée fundraiser. Everyone seemed to be choosing this night to swing in their summer, helping to raise $320,000 towards the Woman’s Board mission to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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Co-chairs Schuyler Sweeney Saran, Courtney Grimes, Katie Hale, Tyler Neal Arnfelt, and Lindsay Amborski greeted guests at the Saddle & Cycle Club, transformed to capture Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Under striped cabanas to upbeat calypso tunes, supporters sipped Island Daiquiris and visited a shell bar by Vo Jewelry to create custom jewelry pieces, while a mermaid posed with guests. Pat McKillen, known for his work with the Trippin’ Billies, a Dave Matthews Band tribute band, kept the guests dancing until well after the sunset.
Following remarks by Woman’s Board president Lynne Hemmer, auctioneer Chris Hensley led the crowd in a spirited paddle raise to support the board’s $4.6 million pledge to fund comprehensive reproduction care across a woman’s lifetime.
We spoke afterwards with Lynne Hemmer who summarized the event’s success:
“The Woman’s Board is absolutely thrilled by the success of our sold-out Summer Soirée, the Cabana Club. Seeing over 300 community members come together to celebrate our fundraising goals truly exceeded our expectations. The Saddle and Cycle Club provided a flawless backdrop as the venue was transformed into a breathtaking, breezy space with exquisite floral arrangements and chic, vibrant décor that set the perfect mood for the evening. Between the incredible paddle raise, silent auction, live music, and delicious light bites and cocktails, the atmosphere perfectly captured the joy of the night.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this fundraising event a resounding success. A huge shout-out to our amazing Summer Soirée committees. The Woman’s Board is thrilled to announce that all the funds raised will support our $4.6 million pledge to fund comprehensive reproductive care across a woman’s lifetime. The Woman’s Board is proud to be a source of leadership for the past 129 years in helping to support fundraising efforts to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”
Begun in 1897 to provide free beds for patients, the Woman’s Board soon wired the hospital for electricity and has always funded innovative and cutting-edge care. It established the first clinic for women and children with HIV-AIDS, was the Hospital’s initial COVID funder, supports large scale building projects as well as research grants, and recognizes hospital staff for compassionate care. To date, the Woman’s Board has given over $65 million to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Photo credit: By Robin Subar
For more information, contact The Woman’s Board office, 312-926-9138, or visit: wbnorthwestern.org
