Members and Friends of Women’s Auxiliary of The Danish Home Gather For Annual Spring Luncheon

Saturday, April 22, 2023, marked the date for The Women’s Auxiliary of The Danish Home’s return to an in-person Spring Luncheon, this year at Belvedere Banquets, an elegant, new location in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

Women’s Auxiliary President Karen Peterson bid welcome and thanked the loyal participants and the many generous sponsors for supporting the 2023 Spring Luncheon. Karen told about several upcoming events, including Summerfest at The Danish Home on June 24, a Summer Wine Social in July, and the Women’s Auxiliary Annual Meeting and Brunch in October. 

The Women’s Auxiliary Board was so happy to gather everyone again in-person for its Spring Luncheon this year. During the past few years, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Women’s Auxiliary had to shift gears and hold its Spring Fundraisers as Drive-Thru Frikadeller Dinner Pick-Up Events at The Danish Home, which were very popular, but this year’s Spring Luncheon brought back a new joy and energy.

“It was so nice to be gathered in person and hear the laughter amongst the guests,” says Karen Peterson. “Many guests hadn’t seen each other in a long time. It was delightful to see their smiles and hugs!” 

The Women’s Auxiliary is currently raising funds to pay for the Garden Level Women’s Restroom Renovation at The Danish Home of Chicago, and Karen created a display board to show the future improvements.

The remodeled bathroom will feature a new Quartz Countertop, new wallpaper, new floor tile, and new toilet partitions. The Women’s Auxiliary is excited about this remodeling project, and if anyone wants to donate specifically towards this new project, they are welcome to send a designated donation to the Women’s Auxiliary for this renovation.

Women’s Auxiliary First Vice President Karen Nylen-Swidergal again organized this year’s Spring Luncheon alongside Women’s Auxiliary Treasurer Jean Jackson with assistance from the entire Women’s Auxiliary Board. 

Attendees enjoyed a delicious plated lunch of Chicken Limone, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans with a garnish of diced tomatoes, including a tasty salad and rolls to start the meal and ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert.

In addition to supporters having the chance to win $500, $250 and $100 Cash Prizes, participants also had the opportunity to try to win one of many creative Raffle Baskets or to bid on various Silent Auction items. 

The Women’s Auxiliary Board Members partnered together to make festive gift baskets and colorful prizes, ranging from a Family Fun & Game Basket to Beautiful Wines from Around the World, Lucky Lotto Basket, Deluxe Danish Home Basket, Breakfast Basket, $100 Bill, Lettuce Entertain You and Wine Basket, Manhattan Basket, and a Shot and Beer Basket. 

Silent Auction prizes included an Opal Ring and Earring Set, a Round of Golf for Four at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI, Platt Hill Nursery Gift Cards, a Glass Vase, a Murano Glass Bowl, and a beautiful Handmade Mennonite Quilt.

Because of the faithful fundraising efforts of the Auxiliary Board and its members for more than 65 years, the Women’s Auxiliary continues to assist in the social well-being of our beloved Danish Home residents and to help improve the quality of their lives, from funding games and prizes for the residents to sponsoring special events and residents’ outings or by simply cheering the residents with visits and holiday cards.

“Our plans for the future are to increase our Auxiliary Board Membership as well as our Auxiliary itself,” adds Women’s Auxiliary President Karen Peterson.

New Women’s Auxiliary members are always welcome to join this dedicated charitable organization. If you aren’t already a member, please consider joining as an Annual Member or a Life Member. Please visit: https://danishhomeofchicago.org/dh-new/womens-auxiliary/