A Gala for Giving

Upcoming fundraising benefit supports healthcare access

BY ANNA HUGHES

For over 75 years, the Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (CHIW) has been supporting families across the Chicagoland area. Founded in 1948 by nine women with a shared mission to support mothers and children, CHIW has grown into a powerful force of 50 volunteers committed to serving the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) Family Health Center. Today, more than 13,000 patients benefit annually from the collective efforts of CHIW and the other auxiliary Infant Welfare chapters.

“I was inspired to join because of the Infant Welfare Clinic and the real, tangible impact it has on families in our community,” member Allison Megalis said. “Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society exists first and foremost to support the clinic, ensuring children have access to essential medical care, resources, and support during their most critical years.

Members commit their time and talents to fundraising, volunteering, and supporting the IWS Family Health Center, while building meaningful connections and making a tangible impact in the community.

“Those events aren’t just fun traditions — they’re powerful vehicles that allow us to raise funds, awareness, and long-term support for the clinic.”

— Allison Megalis, CHIW Light Up the Night Benefit co-chair

“I’ve always loved finding organizations where you can give back, and it feels local and impactful, and you can see the immediate effects of your efforts. Infant Welfare has been that and more,” member Liz Slocum said. “I’ve loved going down to the Logan Square clinic and volunteering at the food pantry, and putting together angel baby bags that go to families of newborns, and knowing that they are full of items that were really useful to me with my kids. We also do a coat drive, and a gift collection at the holidays.  These efforts have made me feel really connected to the clinics, but I know that what they need most are the funds that our events provide.”

“Those events aren’t just fun traditions — they’re powerful vehicles that allow us to raise funds, awareness, and long-term support for the clinic,” Megalis added.

Because of the impact these events have, Megalis and Slocum have been working tirelessly as co-chairs of CHIW’s upcoming annual gala: the Light Up the Night Benefit on May 15 at the Morton Arboretum Firefly Pavilion. This year’s theme is Enchanted Forest, and guests can expect an atmosphere that’s both glamorous and fun.

“Liz and I both love a party vibe, and we believe attendees deserve an unforgettable experience — so that’s exactly what we’re creating,” Megalis said. “Guests can expect a seamless flow of events featuring Justin Timberlake’s tour opener DJ, an ice luge serving espresso martinis, and incredibly curated auction packages that are thoughtfully vetted and hand-selected.”

Most importantly, the funds raised from the event directly support IWS Family Health centers. These donations provide critical support for the clinic’s growing healthcare services — including critical healthcare, dental, mental health, and other therapy services — helping ensure children and families in underserved Chicago communities have access to comprehensive, high-quality medical care.

“My involvement [in CHIW] has become a major part of my life, especially this year while planning the Light Up the Night Benefit,” Megalis said. “Seeing the mission come to life firsthand by visiting the Infant Welfare Clinic makes the work deeply personal. You can truly see where the time, energy, and fundraising go.”

She and Slocum are confident gala attendees will leave feeling inspired, energized, and already talking about next year. In the meantime, they invite anyone hoping to join in on their mission to attend a meeting and hear more about the work they do year-round.

For more information about the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society, visit clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org.