SPOTLIGHT ON: THE DAISIE FOUNDATION

On April 28th, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the Daisie Foundation’s Leading Ladies Luncheon. Held at the W Chicago City Center with a Kentucky Derby theme, I grabbed my Mom and my best fascinator for an afternoon luncheon, panel discussion and fashion show recognizing and honoring women who are making a positive impact throughout Chicago in business, education, community outreach and more.

The Daisie Foundation, founded by Daisie Robinson, strives to help women become their most confident and successful selves and encourages children to relish in the magic of childhood so that they might dream bigger and brighter for their future. As a hero in her own Chicago community, Daisie Robinson believed in hard work, commitment and service. During her life, she often took it upon herself to help local families, whether it was to mentor mothers in finding autonomy and stability, or surprising children with random acts of kindness during the holidays. Daisie believed that the most rewarding fulfillment was knowing how you have impacted someone’s life, a sentiment which inspired this organization to start small and dream big. Through their philanthropic efforts, the Daisie Foundation continues to bless women and children each year via two large initiatives.

Mother’s Day Makeovers

Since 2017, the Daisie Foundation has offered transformational makeovers to over 400 mothers in the city of Chicago. For many of these mothers, who range from single parents, to military veterans, to cancer survivors, this is the first makeover they’ve ever received. In keeping with Daisie Robinson’s belief in mentorship, the Foundation offers a new wardrobe, accessories and professional headshots to all who attend, with the hope of guiding women to autonomy and stability for themselves and their families.

Holiday Outreach

Each year, the Daisie Foundation selects an underserved school in the city of Chicago to bless during the holiday. With gifts for students and staff, the Daisie Foundation ensures that no child within that community will have to spend the holiday season empty handed. (And if that just doesn’t make your heart swell like when the Grinch learned the meaning of Christmas, I don’t know what will!)

The Leading Ladies Luncheon serves as a fundraiser and commencement for these annual initiatives. I was invited to attend by my dear friend Julie Hightower- media maven, philanthropist and Chair of the day’s festivities (and if that name sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve met her before. Read a bit more on how Julie defines beauty here). And when Julie comes calling, you show up big. And you wear a fancy hat.  And I couldn’t have been prouder to be a part of it.

To kick off the day’s festivities, VIP attendees joined together for a panel discussion featuring women making an impact in their field including Kaitlin Smith, CEO of Simple Mills; Dr. Jessica Shepherd; Lillian Lazu, Principal of Little Village Academy in Chicago; and Diana Palomar, VP of Community Affairs for ABC 7 Chicago. Moderated by Kendra Chaplin, Publisher of Chicago Woman, the panelists discussed how they lead in their own unique way and how we can all begin to take charge in our own lives.

Panelists at the Leading Ladies Luncheon

A beautifully plated lunch followed, complete with a TO DIE FOR dessert from Vanille Pastisserie, and a keynote address from Dara Levy, CEO of DermaFlash. As guests dined, they were treated to a fashion show, showcasing the best spring and summer trends (and a lot of outfit inspiration!). To close the day, attendees participated in a paddle raise, where donations up to $1,000 were made in support of the Daisie Foundation.

Spring Fashion Show at the Leading Ladies Luncheon

I couldn’t be more honored to support such an impactful, and big-hearted organization. And if you find yourself in Chicago next spring, I hope to see you with your own fancy hat, perched at the table next to me. After all, it’s what Daisie would do! To get involved and for more information on the Daisie Foundation, please visit daisiefoundation.org.

Give back. Wear you are now.

xx

Natalie