City Seen: Wings' 'Sweet Home Chicago'

The Cause: WINGS Chicago hosted its 18th annual “Sweet Home Chicago” fundraiser to support families who are overcoming domestic violence. The brunch attracted 250 people, and more than 100 children, who gathered together at the Four Seasons to celebrate the season. This year, the nonprofit’s signature event raised over $773,000 to help fund two safe houses, bringing the total raised since 2004 to $11.2 million.

The Setting: Snowflakes were projected onto the walls as kids customized gingerbread houses provided by BBC Hollydays. Children snuggled and relaxed with K9 Comfort Dogs from Lutheran Church Charities and took home wearable balloon art from Dale the Balloon Dude and his troupe. Family photos were taken in front of an enchanting winter backdrop compliments of Curtis Newborn Photography. Kids and adults enjoyed dancing to the music of Ralph’s World while a lavish buffet was served in the Grand Ballroom.

The Scene: Rita and John Canning, longtime supporters, served as honorary co-chairs. Katherine Banich, Meghan Norton and Maria Schideler were co-chairs of the host committee. Established in 1985, WINGS has provided 984,095 nights of safe shelter, 3,220 hours of counseling services for adults and 6,229 hours of services for children. WINGS’ clients can move to one of more than 40 homes and apartments as well as 110 rapid re-housing units where they can rebuild their lives to become emotionally and financially independent. WINGS reports that almost every single client who has completed its two-year program has not returned to an abusive relationship.