Four years ago, a young Neponset woman wanted to do something to give back to the community. Freedom House was her choice. Since then, “Cocktails 4 a Cause” has raised a sizable amount of money for that agency, helping to serve those affected by sexual and domestic abuse. This year’s event was held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Midland County Club, with a “Western Garden” theme.
Spearheading the idea was Jami Rieker, a busy woman with a husband, five children and a successful online clothing boutique. Asked why she felt the need to add another thing to her already busy schedule, she said, “In a world where women and girls are sometimes pitted against each other, whether during adolescence or in adulthood, I wanted to create something different. Something that lifts us up instead of tearing us down. That’s why I envisioned an event devoted to empowering women and fostering genuine support for one another.”
Knowing such an undertaking couldn’t be done alone, she pulled in her friends Kristen Granell from Geneseo and Kaleigh Good from Kewanee to help build the framework. Soon, they were joined by Allison Ensley, RaeAnne Braasch, Lexi Strandberg, Jodie Klein, Kayla Whitmer, Jenna Doty and Heather Horsley. Between them, they represent towns and cities in Henry, Stark and Bureau counties. Many are business owners, with families and other obligations. However, they have been champions of Rieker’s initial cause for four years running.
From the beginning, Freedom House was the unanimous choice for their efforts. According to Rieker, “when it came time to select a charity, there was no question in our minds. Freedom House stood out among them all.” She went on to say that they don’t just support people during difficult times. “They stand with them at some of the darkest parts of their lives, helping survivors of domestic and sexual abuse find safety, healing, and hope.”
Committee members start early to gather raffle and auction items, promote the event, engage sponsors, plan the menu, create décor and arrange music. Midland County Club has been their venue, and upwards of 150 women attend each year.
“It’s girls only,” said Rieker, adding that the only male allowed is the DJ. She went on to say that new friendships are made among those who attend, which adds to her mission to get women to support each other.
This year featured over 50 raffle and silent auction items, including wine baskets, holiday décor, golf equipment, generous gift certificates, hand painted furniture, fashion bags and special hair and skin care products. Participants who brought items for Freedom House clients, such as paper towels, diapers, personal hygiene products, Kleenex, laundry soap and toilet paper received one raffle ticket for each item donated. A hallway full of items was collected by the end of the evening. “This,” said Rieker, “is my favorite part. The generosity is overwhelming.”
Sponsors for the event were Good’s Furniture, Mulligan’s Irish pub, Moments on 2nd, Hucks DJ Services, Midland Golf Club, JMac Metals, Royal Appliance, Timberlyn, Inc., Illinois Valley Financial Advisors, Sullivan Door, Country Financial-The Hansen Agency, Insurance Audit Services, Galva Family Dentistry and Bradford Snack Shack.
“We couldn’t do all we do without their support,” said Rieker. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses that stand with us, year after year, through their generous sponsorships and donations.”
Trisha Schafer, manager of Outreach and Facilities for Freedom House, addressed the audience and explained why Saturday’s event is so important.
“We are in the process of creating a shelter in Kewanee to serve our Henry County clients,” adding that while over 40% of the agency’s clients are from Henry County, only 5% seek safety in the Princeton shelter. “The shelter at 716 Elliott St. will allow them to remain near jobs, school and any support system they have while getting the services they need to break the cycle of abuse affecting them and their children.”
Outreach Specialist Tonya Fitzpatrick also spoke, telling the group that it’s very likely that everyone there knows someone who is living with abuse.
“With one in three females and one in four males experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner, the need for agencies such as Freedom House is great.” She added that it doesn’t have to be physical abuse. “There is emotional, financial and psychological abuse that happens all too often.”
Freedom House plans to open the Kewanee facility in the summer of 2026.
“The need for finding the shelter is ongoing,” said Fitzpatrick. “Events such as this one are so appreciated.”
Rieker is hoping to find representation from Marshall and Putnam Counties, as well as more volunteers to help them with future events.
“We need committed women to help us support this cause,” she said. “Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to any of the women on the committee.” She confirmed that plans are already underway for next year. “We want to continue to support Freedom House in its mission to help the most vulnerable among us.”
