LaGrange area volunteer options
Anyone who would like to volunteer and wants information on where to do so should plan to attend the free LaGrange Volunteer Fair, which takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the LaGrange Public library, 10 W. Cossit St.
A variety of roles are needed, from providing rides to older adults, office work, making pancakes, gift shop help and outreach to sexual assault and domestic violence counseling. Each group will provide information on its volunteer needs.
Several area organizations will have representatives at the fair, which will be hosted by the LaGrange Business Association. To register for a booth, visit www.eventeny.com/events/volunteerfair-21316/.
The fair includes the following organizations:
BEDS Plus, which aims to end homelessness and supports individuals in south and west suburban Cook County.
Kiwanis Club of Lagrange, which works for the community via leadership, service and funding, cultivating young leaders and giving scholarships.
Community Assisted Rides, or CARS, which offers rides to older adults.
Helping Hand, which is dedicated to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cook County and the Chicago area through education, employment opportunities, pediatric therapies and other services.
St. Cletus Food Pantry, which serves residents in Lyons Township struggling to pay for personal items, household goods and groceries.
Pillars Community Health, whose mission is to improve communities’ health via social services to southwest suburbs in the Chicago area, including domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
OptWell, a new nonprofit organization that aims to inspire wellness and health in Chicago’s western suburbs through community partnerships, social support, educational programs and workshops.
Westchester Food Pantry, which offers frozen meat, pantry staples and other items monthly in western Cook County suburbs.
LaGrange Business Association, which hosts events in the village.
UChicago Medicine Advent Health, which needs volunteers for a variety of departments.
Community musical planned at All Saints
Fans of gospel music can enjoy a performance while giving a boost to Cradles to Crayons on Sept. 14 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4370 Woodland Ave. in Western Springs.
Elsa Harris, a gospel singer and keyboardist, performs from 3 to 4:30; doors open at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
The church will collect cash donations in lieu of an admission fee, which will be given to the nonprofit organization. It aims to end children’s clothing insecurity by providing items such as shoes and clothing, as well as school supplies. Information is at 708-246-0030.
Seminar details how to prepare for retirement
Two retirement planning experts will lead a two-part series titled Packing for Retirement, this month at Elmhurst University, 190 S. Prospect Ave.
Attendees should register for one course: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 11 and 18 or 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 and 20. Sign up at tinyurl.com/ElmhurstPFR.
The two-part sessions, led by Jim Flanagan and Jigar Doshi of Bentron Financial Group, are free. Topics include the need for an estate plan or financial plan, when best to access Social Security benefits and how to protect an estate from high long-term care costs.
Doshi has been a financial advisor for nearly 20 years. Flanagan, who founded Bentron Financial Group in 2001, has been on the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee since 2008 and in 2010, he founded the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, which aids seniors in River Forest, Oak Park and Forest Park. He also provides financial pointers via “My Generation Minute,” which airs on 87.7 METV FM.
Fall fundraiser fetes CARS’ 25 years of service
Sept. 18 is the last day to make a reservation for Silver Soiree, the annual fall benefit for Community Assisted Rides, or CARS.
CARS celebrates its 25th anniversary with the gala, set for Sept. 25 at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets cost $125 per person, which includes entertainment such as live jazz, silent auction, paddle raise, silver balloon pop, dinner, beer and wine and a cash bar for other alcoholic drinks.
The organization provides safe transportation and outreach to older adults in 22 local communities. Attendees will hear stories from CARS riders. Tickets are available by visiting one.bidpal.net/carsbenefit or calling 708-354-9328. Donations also are being taken at the website.
Golf tournament benefits health foundation
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Foundation hosts its annual golf tournament Sept. 15 at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, 122954 Archer Ave. in Lemont.
Proceeds from the event will go toward initiatives across UChicago medicine AdventHealth hospitals in Hinsdale, LaGrange, Glendale Heights and Bolingbrook.
Golfing, which is a scramble format, tees off with a shotgun start at noon following registration and lunch at 10 a.m. A dinner and awards ceremony that recognizes the top foursomes begins at 5 p.m. Supporters also can choose to just join the dinner.
A helicopter ball drop, which costs $25 per entry, allows participants to receive a numbered golf ball that will be dropped over a designated hole. The ball closest to the hole, including in it, wins half the pot. The winner need not be present to win.
To register for a foursome, enter the ball drop or join the dinner, visit www.golfinvite.net/UCM_AdventHealth.
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