2009 Holiday Boutique

The 2009 Holiday Boutique is an annual shopping event featuring more than 20 unique exhibitors. An exciting array of jewelry, apparel, accessories and gifts for all occasions are offered for sale during the four-day event. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Allendale Association to further their programs and services. In addition, many generous patrons - private, corporate and businesses, contribute to the event's success.

Location:

The Boutique will be held in downtown Lake Forest at the Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045. For Boutique information, please call Susi Rowe at 847-615-0071 or Lorrie Damrow at 847-283-9255.

Schedule of Events:

General Shopping Admission is $10/person and is available at the door only. Children are admitted at No Charge. For information regarding party reservations, please call 847-283-9029.

Boutique Exhibitors:

Centerpiece Celebration:
A colorful and unique assortment of hand-made centerpieces, inspired and designed by the local schools, artists and businesses listed below:

The Allendale Shelter Club Overview

The Allendale Shelter Club was formed on December 6, 1906 by 16 female members of the Children's Hospital Society. At that time, professionals in the legal system and in social services believed one of the great needs of Chicago was care for destitute and homeless boys, a population that was growing steadily.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Katherine Ellwood Allport, the women of The Shelter Club rented a flat on Harrison Street and founded The Boy's Shelter Club which housed 50 destitute and homeless boys. The Club provided shelter, a clean bed and meal tickets to a nearby restaurant for young boys in need. The unemployed boys attended the public school and the Chicago University Settlement helped supervise their free time. As the Club expanded, summer vacation proved a difficult time and in 1909 the suggestion of an affiliation with the Allendale Farm was made. There the boys would have the invaluable help of Mr. Edward L. Bradley who had founded that ideal home for boys twelve years before.

In the years to follow, The Boy's Shelter Club and the Allendale Farm would merge, girls would be admitted and The Allendale Association would be formed. Despite the changes, however, The Allendale Shelter Club endured and for over 100 years has remained committed to its founding mission of aiding children in need.

Today, The Shelter Club has 80 active members representing primarily the communities of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and more than 50 nonresident and associate members. Over the years, The Shelter Club has contributed in excess of $12 million to the Allendale Association and remains the school's largest private donor. Funds contributed by the Shelter Club have been used for many projects, big and small. Larger projects include the construction and outfitting of a vocational education facility, renovation of numerous student housing units, and most recently, a new cafeteria building. Smaller, but no less important projects include the hiring of a chaplain for the campus, new vehicles for transporting children and their families, and scholarships awarded so that children can continue their education after graduating from Allendale. In addition to providing financial support, The Shelter Club is actively involved in the strategy and management of the school and maintains close relationships with staff and students. The Shelter Club also implements a variety of programs that enhance the quality of life for the students including:

• Holiday Party - A December celebration for more than 250 students complete with presents, snacks, singing and crafts.

• Christmas Brunch - A catered breakfast served by Shelter Club members and festive holiday stockings arrive Christmas morning for the 50-75 students who have no home to welcome them for the holidays.

• Summer Swim Program - An afternoon of swimming, fun and lunch by the pool for approximately 10 students each week.

• Birthday in a Bag - A bag filled with school supplies, candy and a Best Buy gift card is given to each student on his/her birthday. For many students, it is the only gift they receive.

• Graduation Celebrations - To celebrate the successful completion of the 8th grade and the 12th grade, graduating students are treated to a fun outing in the community. A graduation cake and books for the library are also presented on graduation day.

• Scholarships - financial support to Allendale youth to help them move on "After Allendale" to continuing education, jobs and independence.