Women's council plans tea to address hunger

An afternoon cup of tea brings with it a chance to reflect on life and how to create change and hope with those who share it.

Northern Illinois Food Bank's Executive Women's Council is hosting A Cup of Hope: A Garden Tea to Solve Hunger from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's campus, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook.

The Executive Women's Council is a newly formed partnership with the food bank to support its Child Nutrition Programs and overall awareness of suburban hunger by engaging women to donate their time, food and funds through outreach and fundraising initiatives.

The council is co-chaired by Nancy Conley, a longtime supporter of Northern Illinois Food Bank.

"I worked for two major food companies during my career, and it really bothers me that people in our communities are going hungry," Conley said. "It's a travesty that people are going without, considering the abundance of food in this country."

A Cup of Hope is the Executive Women's Council's first fundraiser. Guests will enjoy sparkling wine, an extensive and descriptive selection of loose teas, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and assorted pastries and scones while hearing tips and the newest trends in gardening from guest speaker Kellie O'Brien, philanthropist and owner of English Gardens, Ltd. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win themed raffle prizes.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank. Tickets are $100 each and available at solvehungertoday.org/cupofhope. For more information on the event or joining the Executive Women's Council, contact Tiffany King at (630) 443-6910, ext. 136.