Kenilworth Union Church held its annual outreach benefit on April 29, raising funds for the 40 human service outreach organizations it supports.
“A Murmuration of Hope” was the theme of the church’s first in-person benefit since 2019. Held at Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette, it brought together 120 people from its faith community who enjoyed good conversation, food and stewardship while creating meaningful change.
Emcee Taylor Cole oversaw a lively evening complete with a wine cork pull, live auction, raffle and competitive round of ‘rock paper scissors.’ Event organizers spotlighted three agencies the church supports—The Josselyn Center, Sarah’s Circle, and Bottom Line Chicago.
A video message from Senior Minister Dr. William A. Eversberg (currently on sabbatical) and an anonymous donor’s paddle raise challenge rounded out the night.
“After a two-year hiatus, the outreach benefit was a wonderful success on many fronts,” said Julie Danilek, who chaired the event. “Meeting in person at Michigan Shores was a wonderful diversion from the monotony of the last two years.”
All of the nonprofits supported by the church’s outreach program serve children, education, emergency services, physical and mental health, or an impoverished community in Chicago. The funds raised help the agencies provide immediate mental health care to people in crisis, offer housing for people in vulnerable situations, provide education counseling for first-generation college-bound students and more.
Over the past decade, Kenilworth Union Church has given $4.3 million in grants to its outreach agencies, with whom the church partners for year-round relationships and support. This year, Make It Better Media Group supported the efforts by offering up to $10,000 in matching contributions.
