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 $10 million to the Allendale Association and remains
the school's largest private donor. Funds contributed by The Shelter
Club have been used, among other things, to construct and equip ML's
Place (the Vocational Education Building), renovate several cottages,
purchase AV equipment for the Proops Professional Development Center
and provide scholarships and support for students in the Independent
Living Program. 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
day of fun at either Gameworks or Dave & Busters. 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.
Holiday
Boutique
The dates and
times for 2008's Boutique are:
| Monday,
November 3rd |
6:00
p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Patrons' Night)* |
| Tuesday,
November 4th |
9:30
a.m. - 5:30 p.m |
| Wednesday,
November 5th |
9:30
a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
|
6:30
p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Ladies' Night)* |
| Thursday,
November 6th |
9:30
a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
* Private parties
with additional ticket sales, historically approximately $175/person
for Patrons' Night and $75/person for Ladies' Night.
|
