There’s always a good reason to throw a party, so why not host a baby shower for a philanthropic cause?
In the case of a June 23 baby shower held at Covenant Living of Northbrook (2625 Techny Road), the party with purpose was inspired by swans keeping residence at the facility’s pond.
Fred and Ginger, a pair of swans beloved by senior care living residents, became parents this spring when two cygnets (baby swans) appeared.
With news of the growing swan family promoted joyously by Covenant Living, residents decided to throw a baby shower to benefit a local homeless women’s shelter.
Party attendees donated items such as infant clothing, diapers and more and enjoyed blue or pink iced cupcakes festively topped by keepsake white swan decorations. Pink and blue balloons added color.
An estimated nearly 100 people attended the baby shower, said Karen Hinz of Libertyville, chaplain of Covenant Living of Northbrook.
Attendees sat in the shade of trees facing Techny Road in view of the pond where Fred and Ginger sat most of the time grooming themselves on the grassy pond shores.
Unfortunately, no babies (cygnets) were seen and were declared recently deceased by a swan expert who services the wetland space.
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“Everyone’s speculating but nobody knows for sure,” Hinz said about the missing cygnets.
But the focus continued for newborn babies and their mothers served by Cornerstone Community Outreach of Chicago.
“It’s a huge blessing for us, honestly,” said Sarah Wright, donations coordinator for Cornerstone Community Outreach.
“Sometimes you just have those moments where you feel like you’re discouraged and constantly begging for the things that you need,” said Wright, who attended the baby shower.
“It’s a huge boost of morale to have people like this come alongside of you and say, ‘Hey, yeah, we really care about the community’,” Wright said.
“We’re just so excited and happy to be here today.”
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO), an Illinois non-profit 501-c3 organization, was founded in 1989 to serve people experiencing homelessness in the Uptown neighborhood.
“It just warms my heart to think of all these people that are thinking about children that aren’t theirs,” Wright added.
“It’s not their grandchildren, right? But they care enough to put something like this together.”
Wright said residents’ are hoping their efforts provide some relief for a mom as she prepares to care for her baby at home.
“All of these babies that we are expecting at the shelter, they’re all single mothers that are trying to make this happen on their own, and so that care is something that we are going to carry to them,” Wright said.
“It’s just such a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
A butterfly release of painted lady butterflies also uplifted spirits.
“I’m really proud of the fact that they (Covenant residents) have generous hearts and that the people who live here are aware of needs and generous in response,” Hinz said.
Hinz conducted a program where bible verses were read and party attendees were invited to sing. The butterfly release was fulfilled by fitness coordinator Jennifer Carlsen of Schaumburg, and resident life coordinator Molly Kuhn of Glenview.
Residents applauded and were seen excitedly pointing at released butterflies. Many butterflies landed on bushes along the pond for party attendees to enjoy a lingering look if they chose to.
“It just feels heartwarming in that we’re giving life,” Kuhn said immediately after the butterfly release.
Carlsen said a butterfly release represents, “freedom and growth and then freedom and transformation.”
Resident reaction to the baby shower was reflected in the numerous smiles among attendees.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea, especially for people here to get them out of their apartments…and thinking about the beauties of nature,” said Lolly Gepson, a Covenant resident and a retired librarian.
Gepson donated diapers purchased at Sunset Foods and it felt, “very wonderful,” to do so.
About the loss of the baby swans, “It’s the animal kingdom,” Gepson said. “We’re not in charge.”
Covenant resident Annette Robinson bought two sizes of diapers that Friday morning, one newborn sized, purchased from Walgreens.
“It’s a wonderful idea to help these people,” Robinson said.
“I’m pleased to do it,” Robinson said, adding, “but I’m sorry that we lost,” the baby swans.
Mary Anne Peruchini, formerly of Wilmette for 38 years, and a six year Northbrook resident, bought diapers from CVS.
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“I’ve done a lot of work with young children and young people all my life, and to me, they are gifts of God and these children sometimes will say the most amazing things,” Peruchini said.
“It’s almost like God’s voice is speaking through them.”
For information about Covenant Living of Northbrook, visit https://www.covlivingnorthbrook.org.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.