This year, Deborah’s Place is excited to welcome supporters to the historic Garfield Park Conservatory for the annual Opening Doors fundraiser. The 2023 event theme, “A Place to Grow,” celebrates our organization’s recent accomplishments and looks toward a bright future—through new partnerships, new leadership, and new goals. By attending, donating, or sponsoring the event, you contribute to our ongoing mission of reaching functional zero homelessness for women in Chicago.
We hope you’ll join us on Thursday May 4th from 6:00pm-9:00pm for dinner, auctions, and stories of hope.

2023 Fundraiser FAQ:
What is the lineup for the speaker program?
Speakers at this event will include:
Bruce Traan, Deborah’s Place Board President
Cheryl Kobetsky, Deborah’s Place Board Emerita
Kathy Booton Wilson, Deborah’s Place CEO
Rachel Dickey & Taylor Beard, Deborah’s Place Young Professional Board Co-Chairs
Tiffany Isom, Deborah’s Place COO
Darnella Campbell
Elhaida LaReine
Quashay Tartt



What are the food options?
When RSVPing, please choose from either the Chicken, Fish, or Vegan entree options (dishes listed below). Our caterer, Beyond Catering and Events, is able to accommodate allergies with advance notice. Please contact us to arrange allergy accommodation.
WILD MUSHROOM CHICKEN
airline chicken breast | wild mushrooms | white wine sauce | served with redskin truffle mashed potatoes & roasted vegetable stack
CITRUS HERB SALMON (GF)
herb butter | citrus relish | served with redskin truffle mashed potatoes & roasted vegetable stack
CAULIFLOWER STEAK (V | VGN | GF | DF)
pan seared cauliflower steak | shaved carrots | onion marmalade | balsamic glaze| served with roasted vegetable stack
What is the expected attire?
Please come dressed in whatever way feels appropriate to you—there is no dress code for this event.
Is there parking available?
There is a visitor’s parking lot, and street parking is abundant along Central Park Avenue in front of the Conservatory.
There is also a bike corral in front of the building, as well as a Divvy bike station.
How do I reach the Conservatory by transit?
The Garfield Park Conservatory is accessible from the Green Line (Conservatory), the 82 Homan/Central Park bus (Homan/Fulton), and the 20 Madison bus (Madison/Central Park).
Is the venue accessible?
The Garfield Park Conservatory has a paved walkway, ramps to the entrance, and button-activated doors. The rooms for the cocktail hour and dinner program are step-free. For more information on venue accessibility, visit the Garfield Park Conservatory website.
Event Sponsorship
Thank you to our 2023 Opening Doors Sponsors!
Silver Key

Bronze Key



Brass Key




Small Business Sponsors






Diana & Robert Jackson
Auction Prizes generously provided by


















Jade Dorynek & Andy Harris
Laura Jansen
Happy Tails
Anonymous Board Member