News Briefs: $4,500 for inaugural Kids Rummage Sale; Rotary pitches in to two groups; Performing Arts Center’s new campaign

The Woman’s Club of Wilmette’s inaugural Kids Rummage Sale on Sept. 26 was a “tremendous success,” according to a media release from the community organization.

The release says the event was developed to offer both a place to donate children’s items and an affordable place for families to shop.

Woman’s Club member Sarah Losh Bakker and Caroline Ball led a committee that worked behind the scenes for months to prepare for the sale. and the result was a line around the corner when it opened and close to $4,500 in sales.

All proceeds went to nonprofits that the Woman’s Club of Wilmette supports: the YWCA Evanston/North Shore and the Family Service Center.

According to the release: “The WCW is incredibly grateful to all who helped make this event possible and hopes to make the Kids Rummage Sale an annual tradition As the club continues to grow and rebuild, the building aims to be a hub for women of all ages to engage in activities and programs that embrace education, the arts, charitable activities, and opportunities to build community.”

For more information about the WCW, visit its website.

Rotary Club of Wilmette supports local green initiatives

The Rotary Club of Wilmette rececntly awarded grants to Go Green Wilmette and the Wilmette Park District to fund eco-friendly programs.

The club gave $1,800 to Go Green Wilmette for the organization’s internship program, which gives young people hands-on experience in environmental work while advancing sustainability efforts across the community.

Go Green Wilmette is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that promotes environmental awareness and action in the village. According to the group, its internship program puts students alongside board members and community partners on real projects, building practical skills and a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Over the years, our Wilmette Rotary Club has been working closely with Go Green Wilmette to support the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” Club Co-President Frank Hussey said in a statement. “We believe that supporting GGW’s growing internship program is an excellent way to invest in our youth, who bring their energy and passion to make our community cleaner and healthier.”

The Rotary Club of Wilmette also granted $4,500 to the Wilmette Park District to support additional plantings and interpretive signage planned for the expansion of the rain garden in Shorewood Park.

According to the park district, “expanding the rain gardens was identified as another way to manage runoff that the existing systems did not capture.”

The Rotary Club’s support helped bring the gardens to live on Oct. 9, when Rotary members and parks staff united for a planting of 14 species.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts celebrates 30 years, launches fundraising campaign

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is encouraging the community to support its next 30.

The organization has launched a fundraising campaign for improvements to its North Theatre.

The proposed North Theatre improvements “represent an investment in the Center’s next chapter, enhancing the experience for audiences, artists, and the community while supporting expanded programming opportunities,” a statement from the center reads.

The campaign began with a $200,000 grant from The Madge Goldman Foundation.

Community members can get involved with the campaign online through sponsorship items like commemorative bricks, Sponsor-A-Seat plaques, corporate sponsorships and individual contributions.

The center is also hosting a benefit gala on Saturday, Nov. 14.

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