Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club planning fundraiser
The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club will sponsor its annual Casino Night Fundraiser March 9 at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge to raise money for its Charity Fund and District 58 Social-Emotional Learning, including the Buddy Bench program by MAVENS.
This year's theme is Casino Royale and will feature cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, raffles, a silent auction, music and games, including craps and blackjack.
Club President Erin Kolschowsky is excited to build off the momentum from the success of last year's event.
"Last year, Casino Night raised over $16,000 for our Charity Fund and District 99 Operation Snowball," she said. "This year is the club's 60th anniversary, and to celebrate, we've accepted our biggest fundraising challenge in our history - our goal is $50,000."
In addition to raising money for the Charity Fund, which is used to provide money to local charities and individuals and families in need, the club has pledged to focus on the social and emotional well-being of Downers Grove District 58 students.
Sponsorship partners this year are a local nonprofit, MAVENS (Mothers Against Violence in Schools), and District 58.
A major initiative is to bring two Buddy Benches to each Downers Grove Elementary School playground and donate additional social-emotional learning curriculum resources to the classrooms.
The purpose of the Buddy Bench program is to encourage inclusion and kindness during a child's formative years. Students who feel they don't have anyone to play with or would like to make a new friend, can simply sit on the bench, which is a signal to others to ask the student to join them in play.
The benches will be unveiled to the students during all-school assemblies, where students learn the Buddy Bench Pledge, a schoolwide commitment to kindness, empathy and appreciation of individuality.
Tickets for Casino Royale can be purchased online for $80 at www.dgjwc.org/casino-night.