December 11, 2008

You see them every winter: the garish, lumpy tops knitted with reindeer, snowflakes, and glitter. But this year, the much-maligned "ugly holiday sweater" brought warmth to Heartland Alliance's Adopt-a-Family program, thanks to a creative donor and her friends.

Rochelle Adkinson, a recent transplant from Miami to Chicago, decided to greet the winter chill with a Hideous Holiday Sweaters party in December. She used the event to raise money for the Adopt-a-Family program, which matches donors with local families in need during the holidays. Each family creates a wish list of clothes, toys, and other items appropriate for each member's age and interests.

Adkinson, who had participated in a similar program in Miami, says she was thrilled to find Adopt-a-Family in her new hometown.

She mentioned her party plans to Jenna Wilayto, a neighbor who owns a Pilates studio, and the idea for a cozy gathering of friends quickly snowballed into a neighborhood event. Wilayto donated her space for the party and publicized the event to her clients. Other local businesses chipped in with silent auction items—including wine tastings and a meal prepared by a personal chef—and gifts from the families' wish lists.

The event has raised $1,700 so far, with more donations still trickling in from people who were unable to attend.

"Everyone was extremely generous," says Adkinson, who asked guests for a $20 donation at the door. "At least two people lost their jobs that week, and they still gave more than the suggested donation and bid on the auction items. And there were some ugly sweaters!"

Nearly all of the 45 attendees got into the spirit, decked out in an array of bright and tacky holiday gear. The winner of the ugly sweater contest made his own entry, complete with a battery pack and flashing lights.

Adkinson says the event was definitely worth the two months' planning time, and she plans to hold an even larger event next year. "I just love the concept of Adopt-a-Family," she says.

Learn more about Heartland Alliance's Adopt-a-Family program.

Hideous Holiday Sweater Party organizers Jenna Wilayto (with Horatio the dog) and Rochelle Adkinson, seen above in their ugly sweaters, raised money for Heartland Alliance's Adopt-a-Family program.

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