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WINGS raises $800,000 to benefit women, children who experience domestic violence

Led by honorary Co-chairs Jackie and Glenn Tilton and event Co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) raised a record $800,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s 10th annual “Sweet Home Chicago” fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 8, at The Four Seasons Hotel.

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 this benefit to more than $5 million to help support WINGS’ Safe House.

More than 480 people, approximately one-half children — who decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for a family portrait by photographer Curtis Newborn and danced to music performed by Ralph’s World — enjoyed a delicious brunch.

Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago area. WINGS’ operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as revenues from WINGS three Northwest suburban resale shops with less than 20 percent coming from government sources.

In 2014 construction begins for WINGS Metro, Chicago’s first new domestic violence shelter in 10 years, which will be located on the Southwest side of Chicago.

For information, call (847) 519-7820, ext. 212, or visit wingsprogram.com.

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WINGS Executive Director Rebecca Darr of Hoffman Estates with her husband Joe Darr and their three children Ben, Sam and Luke. Courtesy of Waldemar Reichert
Ellaine and Alejandro Reyther, center, with their children Robert, Kayli and Alex. The Reyther family lives in Fox River Grove. Courtesy of Waldemar Reichert
Co-chairman Anna Bilton of Barrington with her husband Chris Bilton and their children Clara, Ella, Wesley and baby Henry at the WINGS “Sweet Home Chicago” gala. Courtesy of Waldemar Reichert
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