The Abby Foundation
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  25th AnniversaryTwenty-five years ago, a small group of women in Chicago’s South Suburbs found a recipe to help their neighbors - women and children in need... From 1985 until today, the Abby Foundation’s mission has remained constant: raise money and distribute it to established nonprofit organizations, who apply for a grant that help women and their children and fund scholarships for both young women and returning women.

In its early years, Abby women asked friends and neighbors to join them at focus groups which eventually grew into formal luncheons,. It was a simple recipe; spend a little time and money and help a neighbor. The first luncheon raised $2,000 that was quickly donated to two established domestic violence shelters, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia and the South Suburban Family Shelter.

A board of directors and a membership component were soon formed and as luncheon attendance grew, breast cancer awareness joined domestic violence prevention as Abby beneficiaries. At the same time, a scholarship program was initiated.

Abby’s original 20 members became almost 100 in 2009 and the board of directors hopes to continue growing that membership so that more nonprofit organizations will receive financial help. In its 25 years, the foundation has distributed more than a million dollars through its programs.

Membership is easy: Donate $100 per year for an individual membership to the foundation and attend the luncheon which features a keynote speaker, a raffle, an exhibit area for local businesses and nonprofit organizations, an informational program book that contains an A to Z listing of non profit organizations. Business memberships are also available and include a business listing in the program book and ticket to the Women Together luncheon.

At this year’s August luncheon, another Abby tradition will continue, honoring local women whose volunteer work offers an extraordinary example to others.

Abby’s success since 1985 has been strengthened by the support of the South Suburbs’ local newspaper, today’s SouthtownStar. The newspaper has yearly covered Abby’s story with both editorial content and regular advertising space.

We invite you to click through our website and learn how you can help your neighbors.

online ticketsLinks:  Grant Application  I  Woman of the Year Nomination  I  Women Together Luncheon
 
 
2010 The Abby Foundation

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