Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation hosts International Women’s Day event
Join the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation for its International Women’s Day event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at the Makerplace, 112 N. Belmont Ave., in Arlington Heights.
During the event, co-hosted by the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, guests can enjoy charcuterie boards, a signature cocktail and presentations from local female business owners, all while learning how the Makerplace can support women as they start a business or side hustle. Women will also be invited to explore the Makerplace’s gift-making workshop, art studio, sewing space and commercial kitchen, all of which are regularly used by local business owners, Etsy shop creators, and artists.
“The Makerplace is a great space for women to not only explore their hobbies, but test the waters of opening their own business,” said Lauree Harp, founder, and chair of the foundation. “Starting a business of any kind requires a big upfront investment. But the free equipment in this community space gives women the opportunity to get their business up and running before making a big investment of their own.”
In addition to appetizers, drinks and tours of the Makerplace, guests can attend demonstrations where local makers and artists will showcase how they use Makerplace equipment to create their goods and art. Three local female business owners will also share their journeys to becoming entrepreneurs throughout the night.
Liz Schrenk, owner of The Empty Corner art gallery and event space as well as Something Blue Photography will speak at 6:30 p.m., Janine Durbin, owner of Bitter and Sweet Cocktails, will speak at 7 p.m., and Kristie Geerts, owner of Gouda and Ganache, will speak at 7:30 p.m.
Zoe Feast, an Arlington Heights resident and award-winning artist, will demonstrate how she uses the Makerplace’s embroidery machine and laser printers to create fabrics and patches. Local resident and crafter, Margie Maul, will demonstrate how to use the Cricut to make thank you cards. And Makerplace staff will demonstrate how to use the laser cutter to make items for your home or business.
Attendees will be entered to win several door prizes donated by female-owned businesses, including Ilona n Company Events, local Cabi stylist Helene Lanaghan, Ala Mode, Charisma and more. Attendees can also sign up to have a complimentary headshot taken by Schrenk between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Everyone will walk away with a small charcuterie board with instructions on how to personalize it using the laser cutter, thank you cards made using the Cricut, and a canvas bag to hold goodies from the evening.
Registration is required, and tickets are $50 per person. Ticket purchases can be counted as a tax-deductible donation to the foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization. You can purchase your tickets at ahmlfoundation.org/women.
For information on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, visit ahmlfoundation.org. For questions about the event, please email info@ahmlfoundation.org.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization that provides funds to help develop and sustain a world-class library. The foundation provides support to the Arlington Heights Memorial Library by securing financial and in-kind donations. Donors who have a strong belief in the importance of a healthy, vibrant library have the opportunity to donate funds to our nonprofit, tax-exempt private organization.