Donations Benefit Local Homeless Shelter

An expected 93 women gathered on Wednesday to participate in what might be two of the American female’s favorite activities: shopping and dining.  Although the laughing and chatting spoke to the fun at hand, the shoppers had a higher calling: a benefit for Home of the Sparrow, a McHenry based organization, which serves homeless women and children.

The event was held at Wynstone Country Club in North Barrington and featured nine boutique type vendors who contributed a percentage of their sales to the project.  Each vendor also contributed an item for raffle.

Laura Mueller of Acacia Organics in Barrington set up a booth for the first time this year.  “It’s working out well is that we’re able to get our name out,” she said.

Michelle Robertson of Artzings Photo Letter Artwas also on hand, selling a wide variety of photographed letters which are meant to be grouped into words for displays.  “I’m all about the fundraisers for causes,” she said. 

The Home of the Sparrow resale stores managed a booth, which consisted of the more luxurious and interesting items that had been donated. High-end new and used clothing, accessories, and household items were available in the country club’s atrium and utility rooms.  Women happily buzzed over the tabletop displays, some carrying tote bags full of treasures.

Mary Taradash, President of the board of Home of the Sparrow was among the people enjoying the hunt for that something special.  “This is absolutely awesome,” she said.  “Just the variety of things, the creativity and just the energy, it’s wonderful.”

“Every single table has something worth while and to know that the proceeds go to such a good cause makes you want to open up your wallet and spend, spend, spend,” she added.

Not everyone in attendance was there to shop.  Sheila Grahn, was attending for the first time.  “I’ve heard of Home of the Sparrow but now I’m going to continue to support it,” she said.  “My friends are bigger shoppers than I am and I’m going to support this organization by making a donation.”

Judy McDonough, Vice President of Friends of Home of the Sparrow, which sponsored the event, explained that this event was one of two that occur annually.  “We have our golf outing in the fall and this event in the spring.”

The organization, which offers two shelters, five transitional apartments and after school care for homeless children is struggling, despite the generosity of attendees. “Whatever we make from the event is put toward operations,” McDonough said.  “Right now we’re really in need of donations at the resale shops.”

For more information about Home of the Sparrow: visit www.h-o-s.org or call 815-271-5444