Area Events to Support Charities

Many of the charities supported by the United Protestant Church hold their own fundraisers such as galas, races and golf events and awareness events.

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Northern Illinois Food Bank

A Cup of Hope

Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Abbington Banquets, Glen Ellyn
This elegant afternoon tea, hosted by our Executive Women’s Council, brings our community together to support neighbors facing hunger. Enjoy tea, light bites, live entertainment, and take part in our exciting silent auction and raffle. All proceeds help provide nutritious meals across Northern Illinois.   Watch for more information. 

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EmpoweRun / Walk 5K

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
                 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville 

9:00am

What is the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K?
The 14th annual A Safe Place EmpoweRun / Walk 5K is a dynamic fundraising event uniting 400+ runners, friends, and supporters for a memorable spring day. Participants may take part individually or as part of a fundraising team, coming together to run, walk, or donate in support of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking while supporting vital programs for Chicagoland families.

Funds raised at the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K enable us to sustain our comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, while also advancing community awareness of the profound impact and repercussions of violence. As the primary service provider in Lake County dedicated solely to supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, fundraising teams play an important role in expanding our reach and impact within the community.

A Safe Place offers comprehensive programs aimed at helping survivors and their children rebuild their lives post-domestic violence, while also tackling the root causes through abuser intervention initiatives. Additionally, our community education efforts raise awareness about domestic violence and human trafficking, empowering individuals to take action towards their eradication. In the past year alone, participants and fundraising teams helped A Safe Place reach over 32,000 community members, highlighting our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

Our services include emergency shelter, permanent housing, a 24-hour crisis line 800-600-SAFE (7233), advocacy, therapy for individuals and children, support groups, art therapy, family visitation, monitored custody exchanges, batterer intervention, prevention education in schools, and community training.

About the Event

  • Chip timed with age group results
  • Gun time used for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Overall Winners
  • CARA certified course
  • Shirt notice: Participants who register after March 13 may not receive their preferred shirt size. Late April registrations may not receive a T-shirt.

USATF COURSE CERTIFICATION NUMBER: IL16016NM

Pricing
Registration through February 28th, 2026
$30/Children 5 years old and under, $15

Registration March 1 through May 1st, 2026
$35/Children 5 years old and under, $15

Day of Registration
$45/Children 5 years old and under, $15

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Northern Illinois Food Bank

Fight Hunger 10k|5k|Fun Run

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Enjoy a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile run/walk with beautiful routes through CANTIGNY PARK in Wheaton on May 2, 2026.
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missions-fmsc-fmsclogo2026 Spring Gala

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Drury Lane

100 Drury Lane

Oakbrook Terrace

Join us for a fundraising event that will leave you feeling inspired, challenged and connected with fellow FMSC supporters. T

he evening will include a plated dinner and powerful stories directly from an FMSC food partner. Watch for more info to come.

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LAKE COUNTY HAVEN SPRING GALA

The Violet Hour

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Independence Grove, Libertyville
7:00 pm

Join us inside The Violet Hour, Lake County Haven’s secret speakeasy.
Where the jazz is lively, the cocktails shine, and every toast helps women and children build a brighter future.

 

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 Wine, Women & Shoes

Friday, May 15, 2026

6:00 – 10:00 PM

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

 WELCOME  As guests arrive, they are warmly greeted by our dashing hosts, the Shoe Guys. With every detail perfectly in place, it is time to celebrate in style and let the FUN begin.

6:00p.m . – 7:45 p.m.  Marketplace • Wine Tasting • Silent Auction 

Shop an exclusive collection of local boutiques and national designers showcasing the latest styles, all while sipping exceptional wines from across the country. Enjoy the Silent Auction, Wall of Wine, and an evening filled with FUN and celebration.

7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.   Fashion Show • Live Auction • Announcing the Winners

Guests will delight in a high-energy fashion show, bid on exceptional trips and experiences, take part in the inspiring Fund-a-Need appeal, cheer on the Best in Shoe and King of Sole winners, and celebrate as the evening’s exciting raffle winners are announced.

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Stroll for Soles

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Fox River Park Waukesha, WI

11AM-1 PM

Join us this fun event at Fox River Park. We will celebrate all that God is doing in Africa with a 1 or 2 mile stroll, followed by lunch under the party tent. Remember that your registration includes an event t-shirt, parking pass, and access to all food trucks and fun activities!  Watch for more details. 

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24th Annual

Drive Out Domestic Violence Golf Outing

Monday, August 17, 2026

Briarwood Country Club

Deerfield, IL

Watch for more information

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Northern Lake County Churches CROP Hunger Walk

Sunday, October 11 at 1:00 pm

Starting at UMC of Antioch 848 Main St. Antioch, IL

The walk is approximately 2 miles long with the option of stopping after 1 mile.

We will also be collecting non-perishable foods.

Contact Cinda for more information. 847.727.1552 or [email protected] 

 

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17th Annual Unmask the Violence Gala

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Watch for more information.

 

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You are Invited to our Luncheon & Silent Auction 

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Silent Auction 10:30am-Noon
Luncheon: Noon-2pm

Brookfield Conference Center, Brookfield, WI


Watch for more information this summer.

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Grayslake Lions Club

Grayslake Lions Coffee

The Grayslake Lion Club has an ongoing fundraiser selling ground or whole bean coffee delivered right to your door.  It is 100% Arabica coffee made in small batches, roasted in the Midwest.  They have light, medium and dark roast levels plus decafs from Guatemala and Brazil.  Each 12oz bag is $15 and our organization receives a commission for each sale.  Feel free to order directly at our website: GrayslakeLions | Javajiveroasters or find us at the Grayslake Farmers Market in the Spring and Fall of 2023 or contact a Grayslake Lion directly at [email protected].
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Project Linus

Gurnee Sit n’ Stitch

1st and 3rd Wednesday
10:00 AM – Noon
McDonald’s, 6380 Grand Ave (Rt. 132), Gurnee, ILL, 60031
Enjoy a fun morning of blanket making and conversation. They will have a yarn and fleece exchange on the 3rd Wednesday.  Grab your current project and meet at  McDonald’s in front of Gurnee Mills .

Blanket Day

Second Saturday of odd numbered months
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
1133 Pfingsten, Northbrook, IL
Join the fun at the Gloria Dei Church for a day of blanket making. We usually have 60-80 blanketeers sewing Kids Helping Kids squares, knitting and crocheting beautiful afghans and tying the fringe or crocheting edges on fleece blankets. We process between 600 – 1000 blankets at each meeting. There is usually a table full of fabric and yarn where the price is right – FREE! Of course, please stay as long as your schedule allows. Bring a bag lunch if you want to stay through lunch. Drinks and sweets are always ready to keep you full of energy. Just for fun, we have a table of small door prizes which are given out throughout the day. It is a wonderful day of making new friends, chatting with old friends and learning new techniques. It is always fun to see the other blankets that people create. Such talented blanketeers we have! Reservations are a must so call Judi at 847-498-3987 or email her at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!