"Hats for Hope" 2010 went off with a bang on Friday, June 18th. Set at the gorgeous home of Joel & Maggie Andersen in Downers Grove, guests were invited to tour the house before being escorted out to the lovely garden in the backyard. Underneath the big tent, ladies donned in hats of all shapes, sizes, and colors sipped on wine and lemonade and ate a delicious lunch from Tommy R's.This luncheon was not just about socializing and sporting your favorite summer hat. It was filled with women who were all there for one reason- to support the Family Shelter Service, which benefits women and children who are breaking free from domestic violence. To convey that message, a couple of friends of FSS were brought in to tell us all just how great a cause we were all there to support.
Our main speaker of the day was a young man with a story that brought tears to our eyes. Surrounded by a tent full of women, Shane Hendron stood up and told his lifelong story of abuse in his childhood home. He showed us all that abuse did not get the best of him as he too had the support of an organization such as this. He and his mother and two younger brothers all live perfectly normal lives now- despite their abusive father. An amazing speech that put it all in prospective just why were all there.
Family Shelter Service is an amazing organization that can use support everyday! With budget cuts from the government left and right, it is people in the community that can really make a difference, whether it is donating your time, donating funds, or just simply donating or shopping at their resale shop Second Chance in Westmont or Naperville, you too can make a difference!