Unique fundraising event benefits Flossmoor Service League

Early in May, with Mother’s Day weekend looming on the horizon, two Flossmoor businesswomen, Sue Kluger, of Kluger Furs, and Barb Mason, owner of Bobbi Kahn Design Jewelry, found a unique way to raise awareness for the Flossmoor Service League.

 

Early in May, with Mother’s Day weekend looming on the horizon, two Flossmoor businesswomen, Sue Kluger, of Kluger Furs, and Barb Mason, owner of Bobbi Kahn Design Jewelry, found a unique way to raise awareness for the Flossmoor Service League.

 

Both women knew that people would soon be searching for “that perfect gift” for their mothers. Together they came up with the idea of the “Shop for Mom — Shop for Good” event which highlighted FSL. It was held on May 8 at the Idlewild Country Club.

Their efforts turned into an event that brought FSL into the forefront and at the same time it financially promoted the organization’s mission.

 

The league, founded in November 1955, is a volunteer organization dedicated to community improvement through fundraising. FSL distributes the funds supporting services of local charitable organizations. The focus is on charities that serve the basic human needs and quality of life in the local community.

 

“When Sue and Barb reached out to us, asking us to be part of this event, we were happy to do it,” said Janine Mlynarcik, president of the FSL. “We viewed it as a great opportunity for us to earn money for our charities and support local businesses.”
 

Kluger and Mason also invited local businesses to participate as vendors and asked each of them to invite their clients. In addition to Kluger Furs and Bobbi Kahn Design Jewelry, participating vendors included Loulou Bell (new and vintage items), Knotty Knits (one-of-a-kind designs) and The Villager Gift Shop. There were 80 personally-invited visitors on hand to shop while enjoying snacks, beverages and raffles. The FSL booth provided the raffle opportunities while distributing information on the organization.

 

Jane Baffes, a spokesperson for the FSL, said, “We were both surprised and delighted with the proceeds donated through this event. It will benefit many local charities.”

 

Mlynarcik added that the FSL’s focus is on charities that provide food, shelter, health and educational opportunities. 
 

“In 2018 we distributed $44,450 to 15 charities including Aunt Martha’s, Cancer Support Center, Flossmoor Public Library, Ford Heights Community Service Organization and Future Kids of America. Also, scholarships are provided for Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Prairie State College students. A list of all the charities we support can be found on our website www.FlossmoorServiceLeague.org,” she said.

 

“We receive grant applications, which our committee reviews and uses the information to distribute funds. We have two major fundraising events each year: the Candlelight Ball held in December and a spring event,” Mlynarcik said.

This year’s spring event was a College Kegger-themed party held on May 18 at the Homewood Science Center. It included food, drinks, a movie on the big screen, a DJ and dancing. We also had games like bean bags and beer pong.

 

Upcoming events include a booth at Flossmoor Fest in September where the FSL will sell popcorn and soft drinks and also host a raffle. FSL will also participate in the Homewood Artisan Street Fair on June 7 and 8.

“Throughout the year we volunteer at charities as the need arises, as well as collect items they need. We currently have 19 members and are always looking to grow our membership. We meet monthly except over the summer months. All members serve on various committees and assist in planning and attending our events,” Mlynarcik said.
 

Anyone interested in joining can contact the FSL at [email protected].