Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club Awarded Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grant

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club has been awarded a $1,000 Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grant in honor of the community service of one of our wonderful members, Barbara Ruta.

The Allstate Foundation supports the causes that Allstate agency owners, financial specialists and employees care about most by providing Helping Hands Grants to nonprofits where they volunteer their time to bring out the good in their communities. The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club was selected as a partner in providing innovative and lasting solutions to enhance the community’s well-being and prosperity.

Thank you to Allstate volunteer and Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club member, Barbara Ruta, for being a positive force of change in our community! Together, we #BringOutTheGood.

Samantha FigueroaOctober 11, 2018Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club, Allstate Foundation, Grants

Wonder Women: After 60 years, Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club still a source of local support

Are you looking for a place to lend a hand in the community? A locally-committed group of like-minded people with whom you can work to make Downers Grove stronger?

Look no further than the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club. Celebrating 60 years in 2019, the club is a nonprofit organization composed of local women who act as a committed source of emotional and financial support throughout Downers Grove and surround areas.

Samantha FigueroaSeptember 13, 2018Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club, Suburban Life, News

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club awards four $500 grants to District 58 teachers

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) awarded four $500 grants to District 58 teachers for innovative programs and continuing education opportunities that will benefit both students in their classroom and throughout the District.

“In the past DGJWC has sponsored various programs honoring our District’s teachers. This year we opted to change the initiative to one that awards innovative thinking more directly by sponsoring grant/scholarship opportunities,” said Karrie Donat, DGJWC teacher grants chair and District 58 parent. “We want to thank all the teachers who took the time to research programs that would benefit their students and apply. We were thrilled with the number and diversity of the applications. We love that we were able to help some of our District teachers enhance the learning experience for their students.”

Founders Day events to celebrate Downers Grove history

Downers Grove will celebrate its history and the pioneers who settled the community during the upcoming Founders Day festivities.

This is the fourth annual Founders Day, although the community has held numerous events over the years to commemorate its past, said Liz Chalberg, president of the Downers Grove Historical Society.

The festivities kick off with the Downers Grove Handmade Market. Sponsored by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club, the event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28 at O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St., Downers Grove. The fee is $2.

Six District 58 students receive art awards from Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club recently recognized five Herrick Middle School students and one O’Neill Middle School student during its annual Junior High Art Contest award ceremony. This contest is open to all junior high students living within District 58 and District 66 boundaries, including students attending non-public schools.

SCENE AROUND SUBURBIA | DGJWC Roaring Twenties Casino Night

The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club hosted its inaugural "Roaring Twenties Casino Night" on Saturday, October 21. Light eats were provided to guests while they played professionally run casino tables. Over $15,000 was raised to benefit The District 99 Student Assistant Program and Operation Snowball as well as the Charity Fund of The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club which provides financial resources to local organizations and individuals. Glancer Magazine was a proud sponsor of this event, along with many other local area businesses & organizations. Photos by Mike Catuara for Glancer Magazine Copyright 2017 Glancer Magazine

Samantha FigueroaOctober 24, 2017Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club, Casino Night Fundraiser

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club honors Whittier teacher with Outstanding Teacher Award

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club surprised Whittier School Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Czeszewski with an Outstanding Teacher Award on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

This annual award recognizes area teachers who demonstrate excellence in education.

“Whittier sincerely congratulates Miss Czeszewski for such an outstanding accomplishment in her first year teaching at Whittier!” said Whittier Principal Michael Krugman.

Czeszewski received nominations from six of her current students and their parents.

“The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club was very impressed by the six nominations that Miss Czeszewski received,” said Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club Co-chair Briar Croft. “Each nomination demonstrated how Miss Czeszewski truly goes above and beyond as a teacher and role model. We are honored to present her with this year’s Outstanding Teacher Award!”

GIVING BACK| Charitable Crusaders of the Year

Anne Healy, Downers Grove, Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

When Anne Healy was young, she was heavily inspired by her mother who was the President of their local Junior Woman’s Club, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the community. She would drive with her while doing Meals on Wheels and help with service projects that involved kids. Fast forward to today, Anne lives in Downers Grove with her husband, Tom and her three children, Tommy (8), Jimmy (7) and Mary Katherine (5) and is now herself, the President of the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club. The club is a group of 70+ women who give freely to help others less fortunate in their community via fundraising, service projects, volunteer efforts and support of local educators and students. “I am only one piece of the puzzle,” says Anne. “So many of these women give their time and energy to our projects. We love being connected to this community we call home and to be able to simply give back.” -MK

Samantha FigueroaDecember 8, 2016Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club