VP Biden in Town for New Domestic Violence Shelter Dedication

This morning, VP Joe Biden will attend the groundbreaking dedication for a new domestic violence shelter being built in Chicago. Along with Senator Dick Durbin and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, he will be in attendance for what is truly an important event for our community. This will be the first shelter built in ten years. It will have 40 beds and comprehensive social services for women and their children.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-biden-coming-to-chicago-for-domestic-violence-center-groundbreaking-20131121,0,3640335.story

The World We're Living In

The other day, as I lay waiting to have a "procedure" done at Evanston Hospital, a kindly nurse said to me during the intake, "You seem like a happy person but I have to ask you a question as standard procedure. Are you safe at home?" I answered yes and it led to a conversation about ANO and why that question is asked of everyone who comes into the hospital as a matter of course.  She said that for some people, specifically someone being hurt at home, a hospital is the only safe place where they can let someone know what is happening to them and something will be done about it.  

Thought for the Day

It's True: Laughter is the best medicine

Pump up the Laughter Factor

You don’t need permission to laugh. Just do it!  Throw your head back and laugh like you were a kid again. I’ll bet you have something to laugh about. And if you don’t, create the opportunities to laugh:

• Watch a funny movie or TV show
• Check out a comedy act (I like Brian Regan)
• Seek out that funny friend
• Host a game night with friends (but don’t get too competitive)
• Play with children or a pet
• Let go and do something silly just for the sake of doing something silly
• Tell a funny joke
• Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself–just take a long look in a mirror

Incorporating more laughter into your everyday activities can improve the quality of your life. So take a moment and just laugh.  After all, haven’t you heard it’s good for your health?

http://discoveracmc.com/laughter-is-the-best-medicine/

The Wisdom of Walt Disney

 It's Halloween, a day for dressing up and make-believe.  Who better to conjure on a day like this than the master of imagination, Walt Disney. We at A Night Out are working toward something that sprung from imagining a better life for our ladies.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/16-walt-disney-quotes-to-help-guide-you-through-life

Thank You To Saks Fifth Avenue

Where should we begin to thank Robin and Deidre at the flagship Michigan Avenue Saks Fifth Avenue for hosting an event for us last night?  When we walked into the private Fifth Avenue Club it was set up beautifully.  There were white chairs theatre-style, a fabulous spread of sandwiches, cheeses, chips, potato salad, cookies, brownies, soda. After they got food and sat down, Robin brought out a rack of clothes and showed how they could make many different looks from a few basics.  She showed different ways of using scarves. Some women came up to serve as models. There were 2 makeup artists from Guerlain who were just adorable.  They made the women glow, provided makeup and skin care tips. There was a very cool glitter spray that they used in their hair to make it sparkle. They tried on some jackets. They felt like models and they looked beautiful.  They were given totes filled with samples of fragrances and skin care products. So generous and kind. In addition to the 2 makeup artists, there were 3 staff members tending to every need and desire. They were personable and friendly and made the women feel special. We were blown away by the generosity of Saks. Below is a quote that Marla heard from Robin today :

"All I can say is Thank You, I am stillsmiling." Her reaction is the same one we all have after one of these evenings. We are the lucky ones because of how helping these brave women makes us feel.

Rounding Up Our Troops for Tomorrow

These yummy-looking, healthy treats designed and executed by our Shelley Skrypnyk,  director of child services are all ready to go for tomorrow's event.  While our 15 ladies have a great night out, Shelley and her volunteers will be looking after their 9 children with lots of fun activities and these adorable treats. Thanks to Shelley!!