Bistro Night raises funds for ending domestic violence

The Barrington Junior Women's Club (BJWC) held its spring event, Bistro Night, Saturday, April 18, at Pinstripes in South Barrington. The benefit aimed to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence and raise funds for local charities. Co-chaired by Sonal Patel and Rebecca Darr, the evening was filled with great food and fun. Guests enjoyed a wide array of delicious foods, great music and Pinstripe's signature Bocce Ball.

For this event, BJWC partnered with two organizations that are dedicated to ending domestic violence. WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger), a nonprofit that provides emergency and long-term housing and services designed to help women and children move from abusive situations and get back on their feet, and the Cynthia Bischof Memorial Foundation, formed after Cindy Bischof, formally of Barrington, tragically lost her life to domestic violence.

Through the efforts of The Cynthia Bischof Memorial Foundation, legislation was passed in Illinois to allow judges to order GPS monitoring devices for individuals who violate orders of protection.

A special raffle was held at the event in honor of Cindy Bischof. The legislation that was passed is called Cindy's Law and the monitoring bracelet has been referred to as "Cindy's Bracelet." Long and Company of Barrington donated a two-strand pearl bracelet that symbolized Cyndy's Bracelet. The winner of the raffle graciously donated it back to be included in the live auction.

A percentage of the net proceeds for Bistro Night will help support the missions of these groups who are working to end domestic violence.

Wendy Bower, BJWC President, stated, "We are so honored by the support of the community for our club and for these deserving organizations."

Additional funds from the benefit will be allocated to several of BJWC's charitable organizations in the Barrington area.

BJWC is a not-for-profit organization comprised of women from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago who are committed to community service and philanthropic activities. BJWC has been serving women, seniors and children, as well as, homeless, abused and disadvantaged individuals for the past 70 years. For information, visit bjwc.org.

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