North Shore Ladies Luncheon raises $120,000 for WINGS and domestic violence survivors

The North Shore Ladies Luncheon hosted more than 250 women at Westmoreland Country Club May 18 to benefit WINGS, the largest domestic violence service provider in Illinois. The event raised $120,000 to support programs and housing for survivors.

Benefit co-chairs Shelby Hasten, Margaret Chaffee and Claire Parker welcomed guests to the sold-out afternoon, which also marked a major milestone. Since its inception, the luncheon has now generated more than $503,000 for WINGS. 

"This event is about much more than fundraising," said WINGS CEO Rebecca Darr. "Our North Shore Leadership Council and everyone who supports this luncheon are helping bring greater awareness to the reality that domestic violence exists in every community."

One of the afternoon's most moving moments came from keynote speaker Christy Salters Martin, the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and a former Sports Illustrated cover athlete. Martin shared the harrowing story of surviving a near-fatal domestic violence attack and spoke about the resilience that helped her rebuild her life. Today, she is a passionate advocate for survivors.

Guests also heard from Yashi, a WINGS graduate who courageously shared how the organization's counselors and support staff helped her escape an abusive relationship and build a successful, independent future. Her story offered a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact WINGS has on families throughout Illinois.

Maria Schideler and Katherine Banich were honored during the luncheon for co-founding the WINGS North Shore Leadership Council and serving as the inaugural co-chairs of the North Shore Ladies Luncheon, helping establish what has become one of the organization's signature fundraising events.

The event also offered a preview of the 26th Annual WINGS Purple Tie Ball, set for Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Melissa Canning, vice president of Board Development, joined gala co-chairs Kim Frezado and Maggie Pflanz to tease this year's masquerade-themed celebration. Rebecca Darr also recognized Host Committee member Renee Zipprich for creating and donating the elegant floral arrangements that decorated each table, adding another thoughtful touch to the elegant afternoon.

Proceeds from the luncheon will support WINGS' two emergency safe houses and its hospital outreach program, which trains medical professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence and connect patients with WINGS advocates who provide immediate bedside assistance.

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Over the past year, WINGS provided 118,761 nights of safe shelter for adults and children, empowered 821 adults to leave abusive relationships, supported 544 children through specialized services and delivered more than 12,000 hours of counseling and life-skills programming. Through its two-year housing and support program, nearly 100 percent of graduates achieve long-term independence from their abusers.

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As Illinois' largest domestic violence agency, WINGS serves survivors of all ages, ethnicities and gender identities through emergency shelter, counseling, mentoring, transitional housing and community-based support designed to help families build lives free from violence and fear.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive confidential assistance by calling the WINGS 24-hour hotline at 847-221-5680 or visiting WINGSProgram.com. (Gosia Matuszewska Photography)