Past Events

"Honor Thy Mother" Benefit
This year, the Honor Thy Mother luncheon celebrated the stories of women and the powerful role of literature in their lives. Over 200 guests listened to Book Group Leaders describe the programs they are passionate about, and two participants read their poetry. Alum Sonja Mixon also shared her story, and Elizabeth Berg, author of numerous books including Home Safe and The Last Time I Saw You, shared how writing influenced her life. Thanks to the generous support of guests, our Fund-a-Program auction raised over $14,000, which has been matched by an anonymous donor. These funds will directly support the Boys Initiative, the Re-Creation Project and the Children's Literature for Parenting program. Overall, the event raised more than $62,000. Big thanks to our event co-chairs Angela Valavanis and Mary Kay Johnson and to all the committee members!

SPECIAL THANKS:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following businesses that gave their support for this year's Honor Thy Mother event.

The Doubletree Hotel
First Slice
Flat Out Crazy Restaurant Group
Mission Press
The Book Stall at Chestnut Court
Christine McClure Photography
Letterpress by Lydia
Maria Ballantyne Public Relations
JMH Marketing
Iris B. Communications
Design Green Landscapes
JpStudios Graphic Design
Random House Publishing
Floral Gardens, Highland Park
Sutton Place Hotel

Mother & Daughter Event with Joy Harjo
On November 11, BOOKsisters hosted a Mother and Daughter event featuring award winning poet Joy Harjo at Flourish Studios in Chicago. Along with her personal story, Harjo shared with guests her new book, For a Girl Becoming, a beautifully illustrated story celebrating the gifts of being a girl. The 120 guests also participated in an activity lead by Book Group Leaders LaCoya Katoe and VersAnnette Blackman where they used the poem "Remember" by Harjo to inspire their own poems. Mothers and daughters wrote to each other, remembering the special moments they have shared together. The inspirational evening closed with a quote from "Remember" by Harjo:

"Remember that you are this universe and that this universe is you. Remember that all is in motion, is growing, is you."

Special thanks to Flourish Studios, sponsors Frankie's on the Park and The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, and event hostesses...
Lisa, Lindsey and Sam Aronson
Kathy and Abby Bresler
Sue and Elsa Brodarick
Lisa and Frankie Burik
Megan and Lauren DeZara
Suzi and Lili Gurry
Jill and Sami Hart
Hedy and Gaby Keiderling
Andrea and Meredith Leon
Sharon and Alexa Markman
Sally and Margaret McPherrin
Claire, Rachel, Caroline and Alexandra O'Grady
Michelle and Julia Porter
Bonnie and Jaclyn Shifrin

*Check out pictures from these events on our Facebook page.