National Awards

Chicago

National Award to the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs for good works by 58 clubs. Here: Amy L. Henning, Sally Bauman and Phyllis Cossarek of Chicago Women's League.

Brian DeGrenier is a little guy with a big medical bill: It costs $9,000 a month to treat the Lombard, Ill., 9-year-old for Gaucher's disease, a rare genetic disorder. So when two women's clubs in Lombard spearheaded an Oct. 25 fund-raising dinner for more than 200 that netted $15,500 for Brian's treatment, dad Ed was deeply moved: "People you don't even know, care."

This was just one of the Make A Difference Day efforts launched by 58 chapters of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs. Across the state, nearly 1,100 members pitched in, restocking homeless shelters, organizing community cleanups, visiting nursing homes. "All of the clubs are active in their communities," says president Phyllis Cossarek. "But Make A Difference Day is a wonderful way for the clubs to do even more."

$2,000 award will benefit CFM Lamb's Fold Women's Center, Joliet, Ill., and Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County, Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Photo Credit: KIT WALLING FOR USA WEEKEND.

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