The Woman’s Board was formed in 1976 by a group of women to support the entity they considered vital to the unique quality of their community. Their children had spent Saturday afternoons playing ball in the gym of the Community House, watched movies in Matz Hall on Friday evenings, and congregated during after-school hours at the bowling alley. Bridge groups, armchair travel lectures and theatre offerings all found a home through the years at the Gothic-style building located at Pine Street and Lincoln in Winnetka.
As the venerable institution faced financial challenges, the group of women dedicated themselves to raising funds to help keep it running. The original Woman’s Board has grown in 30 plus years to more than 100 women (active and sustaining members) from surrounding North Shore communities.
The Winnetka Community House receives no tax dollar support. Eighty-five percent of the funds raised by the Woman’s Board goes directly to the operating budget of the Community House, with the remainder earmarked for special projects and needs. These funds along with generous and ongoing support from local businesses and residents have helped to grow and sustain the Winnetka Community House—one of the only centers of its kind in the United States.
The Woman’s Board is known for its celebrated Antiques+Modernism Show, a three-day show that premiered in 2010! Based on the highly successful and nationally recognized and respected Antique Show and Modernism Show, previously held separately, the Antiques+Modernism Show features 60 prestigious dealers from throughout the United States and thousands of attendees. The Show represents the best of design through the decades.
The Antiques+Modernism Show features a kick-off event as well as an elegant Preview Party with excellent cuisine and music for guests to enjoy while browsing and pre-buying. Strong educational components are an integral part of the show as well, presented in lectures and booth seminars.
The Show is our principal fundraiser. It raises annually in the $125,000 range, the majority going to operating funds for the Winnetka Community House.
Membership
Members of the Woman’s Board are unofficial “ambassadors” for the Winnetka Community House. Members are encouraged to participate in events sponsored by the Woman’s Board, such as the Preview Party for our Show, the Gala and member social events as well as volunteer when possible for additional needs during show weekends.
Woman’s Board Members receive a free Membership Package to the Winnetka Community House that entitles them, along with other advantages, to preregister for many classes at reduced rates. Annual board dues include two tickets to the Antiques+Modernism Show. Membership fosters a strong sense of purpose along with social opportunities in support of a vital community institution.
Recent initiatives and programs supported by Woman’s Board funding:
- $ 100,000 contribution to Capital Campaign for addition and refurbishment
- Listing in the National Register of Historic Places (federal-level landmark designation), approved in August, 2007
- Initiation of Master Landscaping Plan for exterior and grounds; annual planting and maintenance of garden; selection of sculptures and lighting for Arches area
- Renovation of lobby office area to welcome visitors to the building
- Purchase of a signage system for hanging artwork; purchase of office equipment, including sign-making machine, to enhance communication with the community;
- Beautification of Winnetka Community House, including furniture, carpeting and furnishings.
“If you have an interest in joining our group, please let someone at the front desk know, and I’ll be in touch.”
Kris Schriesheim, Woman’s Board Chair
