Sweet Home Chicago event raises $744,000 for WINGS

Sweet Home Chicago Host Committee co-chairs Katherine Banich, Meghan Norton and Maria Shideler joined John and Rita Canning in raising $744,000 for WINGS, Illinois' largest domestic violence agency.

For its 17th annual celebration, all the ingredients for the traditional Sweet Home Chicago benefit - including decorating gingerbread houses prepared by BBC Hollydays and a holiday ornament from JS Creations and Crafts, plus cuddling with plush LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - were delivered with brunch boxes by Entertaining Company to the homes of 181 children across the Chicago area.

The kids also enjoyed virtual visits with Santa, as well as dancing to the music of Ralph's World and meeting the LCC K-9 Comfort dogs via Zoom.

Since it started in 2004, Sweet Home Chicago has become Chicago's most successful brunch fundraiser. This year's benefit brings the total raised by Sweet Home Chicago volunteers to more than $10.4 million.

As the isolation necessary to combat COVID-19 continues, more victims of domestic violence are reaching out. Since March in Illinois, phone calls have increased by 20% and text messages ballooned by 3,000% as victims rely on a "silent" form of communication.

During the last 12 months, WINGS has empowered 520 adults to break from the bonds of domestic violence, while also providing counseling and other services for 646 children.

WINGS relies on financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, faith communities and local and state governments. Proceeds from its four resale shops also fund WINGS programs and services.

For information, visit wingsprogram.com.