Freedom House will host its signature gala, Gimme Shelter 2, on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona. Proceeds will fund the renovation of a former OSF healthcare facility at 716 Elliott St. in Kewanee into a modern, 40-bed emergency shelter for individuals and families escaping domestic and sexual violence.

The evening—chaired by Honorable Kippy Breeden and Kewanee Mayor, Gary Moore, will include a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and an auction. Guests can bid on exclusive items such as autographed memorabilia from Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls, along with premier travel and experience packages, including a trip to Nashville and a Chicago Cubs experience.

“This shelter, expected to open in Spring/Summer 2026, will be a lifeline for survivors and their children in Henry County and surrounding communities,” said Diana Whitney, president of the Freedom House Board of Directors. “Every dollar raised supports our mission to provide safety, healing, and hope to those impacted by domestic and sexual violence.”

Event Details:

● What: “Gimme Shelter 2” Gala
● When: Saturday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m.
● Where: Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona, Ill.
● Tickets & Info: https://GiveButter.com/FHgala2025

Founded in 1983 as a non-profit, Freedom House serves victims of domestic and sexual violence across Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties. Services are free of charge and include a 24-hour crisis hotline 800-474-6031, emergency and transitional shelter, medical and legal advocacy, counseling for adults and children, prevention education and training for volunteers and professionals. With offices in Princeton, Geneseo, Kewanee, Cambridge and Lacon, Freedom House is dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential and life-saving support for the most vulnerable in our communities.