Our Remarkable History
The remarkable Julia Deal Lewis founded the Illinois Club for Catholic Women (ICCW) at the urging of His Eminence George Cardinal Mundelein in 1921. Around that time, Prohibition was underway; Al Capone moved to Chicago; and, women attained the right to vote. The Nation’s rapid shift from an agrarian to an urban society bolstered the need for unskilled labor and lured countless women into Chicago’s industrial workforce. Many of these women were uprooted from rural areas, faced long hours, dangerous conditions, poor pay and uncertain futures as they struggled to better their lives.
The ICCW was established under these ominous circumstances to provide a refuge where young Catholic working women received low-cost food and lodging, protection, guidance and friendship with women who had values similar to their own. Very soon, the ICCW grew into a complete family center with a comprehensive program offering charitable, religious, recreational and educational services and opportunities. The ICCW, however, continued to modify and adapt its undertakings to meet the ever-changing needs of the community it served. For example, by 1935, tuberculosis was a leading cause of death. The ICCW responded by establishing the celebrated “Milk Fund,” which supplied milk, cod liver oil, medical needs, clothing and food to the tubercular poor. During World War II, ICCW members formed Red Cross sewing and knitting groups, solicited blood donors, aided USO activities, collected clothing for worldwide distribution and expanded their programs for needy children. Over the years, many of the pressing dangers and dramatic inequities in the workplace were eradicated, tuberculosis was controlled, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago became the centralized, multidimensional social service agency that supplied the vast array of professional services to address the emerging needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Throughout the ensuing decades of change, the ICCW has maintained its steadfast tradition that recognizes the sacred dignity of every individual, supplies compassionate service, and assists Catholic charities in the Chicago metropolitan area. In doing so, it has become one of Chicago’s leading charitable providers for the most vulnerable and neglected members of our society. These members include homeless veterans and families, low-income children and seniors, the victims of domestic violence, abuse or neglect, among others. The ICCW is profoundly grateful to the countless women and men who have contributed their time, energy and finances to advance our mission.
Presentation Ball
The practice of presenting young women to society in this country dates back to the mid-eighteenth century when colonial families held Dancing Assemblies, the predecessor to the Debutante Ball. The presentation marked the beginning of the young lady’s adulthood; and, she typically danced the first dance of with her father. It is, perhaps, for these reasons that the young ladies came to be called “debutantes,” a word that stems from the French word “debuter,” which means to “begin” or “lead off.” Debutante charity balls flourished in the 1940s and 1950s and are currently held in nearly every major U.S. city, usually during the months of November and December.[1]
The first Presentation Ball was sponsored by the ICCW on December 29, 1958 to raise money for the poor and inspire its young participants to sustain the Club’s commitment to compassion and social service. Notably, Mrs. Frank J. Lewis served as Honorary Chairman; Mrs. W. Lydon Wild and Mr. Maurice Frank served as Co-Chairmen. The Presentation Ball is currently the ICCW’s central fundraiser and the forum at which over 1,000 young ladies have been welcomed by family, friends and the Catholic community into a world of civic responsibility and awareness.
The American Beauty Rose was introduced in the 1880’s. It has been a debutante favorite since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries due to its fragrance, long stem, grand foliage and exquisite bloom.[2] The color red represents the Christmas season and symbolizes respect, generosity, courage and, of course, love -- the focus of Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical.
[1] Karal Ann Marling, Debutantes: Rites and Regalia Of American Debdom (University Press of Kansas 2004).
[2] Id.