Yesterday we had a board meeting. It was not the type of board meeting we expected to have even a week ago. But with BWI national's announcement about bankruptcy, we all know it was a discussion that needed to take place.

I know that some of us have had dreams for this chapter to grow and flourish and have all parents in our counties babywearing because we know how helpful it can be. Our chapter began in 2013 with a completely different set of people. It did grow, it did share the babywearing love, and it did help educate a lot of caregivers. But in the most recent year or two, we have had struggles with having enough volunteers to run meetings, barely managed to keep a board of directors, and sadly smaller and smaller attendance at all meetings.

With all that taken into account, we have decided to close the chapter and not restructure.

We are still working out the legalities and logistics of what to do with our assets, mainly carriers and money we had in our account. We don’t have details on specifically what will happen with the lending libraries but we are attempting to find the best homes for them. They can still be used elsewhere to help babywearing continue to grow.

The Woodstock meeting will still be taking place but we will not be lending out only receiving. We can still educate so please come if you are able. We will also work on collecting any carriers we have out.

Thank you for being a part of this community. We will share further details as we figure them out.

Upcoming meetings!

Please take note of the upcoming meeting dates for November and December. We also have a new location for the Dekalb meeting so take a look at the details on the Calendar tab.

We hope you will join us at one of these free meetings to learn more about babywearing and get help from our Volunteer Babywearing Educators.

It's International Babywearing Week!

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois has some fun things happening and some exciting giveaways to celebrate!

Member Giveaway

We have an exciting giveaway for members of BWI of NCIL. For any member who has a current membership that will not expire before October 31, 2017, including any new or renewing members who purchase their membership in October 2017, you are automatically entered into a drawing for your choice of either a Tula Standard Baby Carrier or a Beco Ring Sling! The winner will be drawn on October 30th so if you are wanting to join, please do so before that date either online or in person at one of our free meetings.

Name Those Threads & IBW Playdates

This whole week on our public Facebook page, check out our Name Those Threads game, which has you taking a look at our lending library and figuring out the names of four close-up photos of carriers each day. Each correct set of answers gets you entered to win a giveaway that will be drawn on October 9th. Visit https://www.facebook.com/BWIofNCIL/ to get started.

Also, on the public Facebook are links to our special playdates we have going on during IBW. Be sure to hang out with us at the Midwest Museum of Natural History, come do Babywearing Zumba at Rumba Dance Fitness, or visit with us at the Burpee Museum of Natural History.

IBW Photo Scavenger Hunt

Visit our closed Facebook group for an IBW Photo Scavenger Hunt. We have a post there with all the details of the pictures you need to take and then post during this week in order to be entered into a drawing which will be drawn on October 9th. If you complete the whole list, you'll be entered into an additional drawing! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BWIofNCIL/

Pampered Chef Fundraiser

Shop for some awesome products from Pampered Chef consultant, Kara Atwater, and help out BWI of NCIL at the same time. Either shop at one of our meetings using the catalogs we will have available or shop online at www.pamperedchef.com/go/babywearing

Happy Anniversary, BWI of NCIL!

This month marks the 4th year since BWI of North Central Illinois began. It certainly has grown in the past four years, and even in the past year alone.

Our lending library has added many new carriers, enabling us to split four sub-libraries into six. This makes it easier to have high demand carriers at every meeting. Our ability to add to these libraries comes from paid memberships and generous donations from both members and businesses.

Recently our Board of Directors has seen a lot of changes. We thank those volunteers that have served previously and moved on to other things as their children have grown. We want to welcome some new faces as we move into our fifth year as a non-profit organization.

The current BWI of NCIL Board of Directors is:

President - Sarah Montgomery

Vice President - Alieta Guntly

Secretary - Jordana Bullion

Treasurer - Myra Walls

Member Benefits Coordinator - Jamie Symons

Outreach Coordinator - Amanda Tracy 

Training Coordinator - currently vacant

The BWI of NCIL Board of Directors, May 2017
Left to Right: Amanda Tracy, Jordana Bullion, Sarah Montgomery, Myra Walls, Alieta Guntly
Not pictured: Jamie Symons

BWI of North Central Illinois is always looking for volunteers to help in various ways with our group, and the Board of Directors always welcomes input from our members. We all look forward to continuing to make BWI of North Central Illinois a valuable resource for our area. Our group strives to help caregivers in our six county region learn about babywearing as well as to reach out and provide additional resources to  the communities we serve.

Weather Warning - Rockford meeting

Just want to put out a little warning that we may end the Rockford meeting today a bit early. There are tornado watches out for all of our counties right now. If you have a carrier to return, please try to come to the meeting as timely as you can. If you cannot make it to the meeting for any reason, including just not wanting to head out with this watch issued, please send Alieta Guntly a message. She can set up a time to do an exchange at her house within the next couple days instead.

Weather Cancellations for West Dundee & Aurora Meetings

We have discussed the upcoming storm that will be starting today and going into tomorrow. We have decided that for the safety of our members and our volunteers that we are cancelling the West Dundee meeting (which was scheduled for Friday night) and the Aurora meeting (which was scheduled for Saturday morning).

If you have a carrier checked out from the lending library that was due back at one of these meetings, please keep it until the January meeting. We do have two remaining meetings coming up in December at Woodstock and Rockford if all goes well.

We will see you in the New Year! Stay safe!

International Babywearing Week 2016

We are celebrating International Babywearing Week 2016 with several exciting things.

IBW 2016 takes place from October 5-10 but we will be doing a special membership drive all month long!

We also have a Wrapping Workshop coming up on Sunday, October 9th from 1:30-3:30pm. BWI of NCIL members get free registration and it is just $5 for non-members. Follow this link to get tickets.

You'll find out some more fun details throughout this week so keep watch on our Facebook and the blog.

Macy's Shop for a Cause

Exciting fundraising opportunity! Our group has partnered with Macy’s for their annual “Shop for a Cause” fundraiser.

How does this work?
To participate and help out Babywearing International of North Central Illinois, we are selling Macy’s savings passes for $5 each. Once we receive your $5 in person at any of our July or August meetings before the event, we will then give you the shopping pass.

If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can also purchase passes online through Paypal using the donate button to the right. Please make sure to note with your Paypal transaction that it is for a Macy’s savings pass. After we receive your online payment you will receive an electronic savings pass through email.

How does this benefit Babywearing International of North Central Illinois?
That entire $5 you donate to us in exchange for the shopping pass gets to stay with our non-profit organization!

How does this benefit you?
The savings pass entitles you to save 25% all day on August 26-28, 2016 on select regular, sale and clearance merchandise, including home – even brands that are normally excluded!

Also, save 10% on electrics, electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses, and rugs/floor coverings.

*Some exclusions apply. These are listed on the back of the shopping pass. Feel free to ask us if you want to see the items excluded and we'll show you before you purchase the savings pass.

Where can I shop with my Macy's Shop for a Cause pass?
Passes are good in person at any Macy’s Store during the event dates of August 26, 27, and 28, 2016.

Just in case you aren't aware, we have three Macy's stores in the counties that our chapter covers -  Macy's Cherryvale in Rockford, Macy's Spring Hill in West Dundee, and Macy's Fox Valley in Aurora. Or you can visit any other store you are near during the time period.

There is also a raffle ticket included to be deposited at the store you shop at (1 winner per store) to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card!

*Passes are not valid for shopping online.*

If you any questions or would like more information please contact one of our admins or visit MACYS.COM/SHOPFORACAUSE.

Lending Library Love

Hi! I'm Alieta. I'm a Volunteer Babywearing Educator for the group. You usually see me at the West Dundee, Belvidere, or Rockford meetings. I took over as one of the BWI of NCIL chapter librarians in early 2016. I knew some of what the librarians do, such as checking in and out carriers so we knew what we have available. Or picking out and purchasing new carriers as we see the need arise and funds are available from your awesome memberships. And reaching out to companies, trying to request donations for carriers as well. But I had no clue it would be such a big job. I should have realized that since our 3 year old BWI of NCIL chapter already has over 250 carriers in rotation.

Yes, you read that correct. Over 250 carriers to keep track of, make sure they are clean and safe for meeting attendees and members to use, and move around so everyone has an opportunity to try out different brands. It really is awesome the resources we have available for caregivers to try on at meetings and try out at home with a BWI of NCIL membership!

I can say without a doubt that having a large lending library is one of two things that makes our chapter great. I hope you know what the other thing is - it's the amazing educators we have in our group. Their hours spent volunteering for Babywearing International of North Central Illinois are what keep the group running each month.

But hey, back to the lending library...and to my beginning.

When I stumbled upon Babywearing International, I had just a Moby. And a 1 year old. So he really had outgrown the Moby and I had no clue about all the other carriers. I thought I was done wearing when he got too heavy for the Moby to provide really good support anymore. I was also pregnant with my second child, which was due in the summer. You all know if you have ever used a stretchy wrap of any kind that they need three layers all spread out over baby to be safe. And those three layers and summer mean one hot mama! So my quest for those first meetings was just to find something to use that was not going to be so hot in the summer while wearing my baby so I could chase my toddler. And I tried on some different things while I was pregnant but was not really checking items out from the lending library at that point in time.

And our lending library could be just a library like that where people can only try on carriers at meetings. There are groups out there that are like that. But once you find a carrier you like after trying them all on, you would then need to go purchase it. No real test drive other than five or ten minutes at a meeting. No chance to see if it might fit another caregiver in your household that would wear the child as well. 

I remember trying on a certain carrier and then finding out how much they cost and thought people were crazy. So I kept visiting meetings and trying things on for a few minutes.

The fun part came once baby number two was born. He hated his car seat more than baby number one. I didn't even know that was possible! And I wanted to actually try using other carriers than my trusty Moby without having to spend big money on buying them. So I checked out a wrap, and then next month a ring sling, and maybe next month a different wrap or a soft structured carrier. I even learned there were carriers for my toddler! So he couldn't run away from me if I wanted to use the stroller for the baby. Or I could wear both kids at once, which was an even more obscure idea at the time. It saved me. It saved my arms from falling off carrying one of the two boys around at home or when we were out and about. It saved my sanity because I could get out of the house with two kids successfully on my own.

Our members of BWI of NCIL can do all those things too. With just a $30 annual membership to our group, they get those privileges to borrow from our lending library for a month at a time. 

But still, five years after finding BWI, with a few favorites that I have purchased and with obviously much bigger kids now, I still check out carriers from our lending library. To try something new. To play with a carrier I otherwise cannot afford. To be able to give good feedback on using it when someone at a meeting asks me how to use a particular carrier. And it still is that fun part being able to do that as well as helping oversee our lending library.

Our lending library is important to our community. It provides a valuable asset to give that tool of babywearing to parents who cannot afford to spend money on a carrier. Some of them can cost only $40 or $50 but we have some that cost $200 easily.

But remember, that lending library is nothing without our educators. So when you see them at the next meeting and they help you with something, appreciate them putting in their own time to helping others by sharing the babywearing love and knowledge they have. And if you love babywearing and want to help in some way, ask us how you can be involved in our group. Because more volunteers are how we keep our group growing and our members are how we keep the lending library growing.

Wearing my 9 month old son in our Moby, my 1st carrier. 

One of my first tries at tandeming was my Moby on front with my 5 month old and a Kinderpack checked out from the lending library of my local chapter that fit my 2 year old great.

Wearing the 2 year old in a ring sling, Natibaby Cyprus, checked out from our lending library.

Wearing Natibaby Clovers in a back carry from our lending library.
This day my son just loved hugging me while I wore him.

Wearing my 4 year old in a toddler size Kinderpack from the lending library.

AURORA MEETING IS CANCELLED 11/21/15

Due to the heavy snowfall expected this morning, we are canceling the Aurora meeting. If you would like to keep your carrier until the next Aurora meeting, you may do so. Jacquelyn Jennings will be holding a carrier swap at her house on Friday, 11/27 from 10am-noon. Please pm her for the address if you plan to swap.

It's raffle time! 

Every year, as part of our International Babywearing Week celebrations, we hold a gigantic raffle extravaganza. This serves as our primary fundraiser for the year and gives all of YOU the chance to win some truly cool prizes. We are so grateful to all of the businesses and individuals who donate to our raffles. We think the prize packages this year are the best yet! Before we get to the goodies, here's an overview of how the raffles will work this year.

How do I purchase raffle tickets?
Tickets will be sold primarily at our big Embrace Your World event in Elburn on Saturday, October 10th. If you cannot attend the event but still wish to purchase tickets, please email us at IBW2015NCIL@gmail.com and we will assist you in purchasing tickets prior to the event. If you are not attending the event, your tickets must be purchased by 8 PM CST on Friday, 10/9 in order to be entered into the raffles.

When will you draw the winners?
Winners will be drawn at the end of our big event in Elburn on Saturday, October 10th, at approximately 3:30 PM CST. You do not need to be present to win! If you are at the event and win, you will be able to take your prize package home with you. Otherwise, we will work with you to arrange pickup at your nearest BWI of NCIL meeting. (And if you can't make regular meetings but still wish to participate, we can work that out too.)

How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are available in the following quantities:

• 1 for $3 
• 2 for $5 
• 10 for $20 
• 20 for $35 
• 30 for $50 
• 75 for $100 

In previous years, we have asked you to write your last name on the back of every ticket that you purchase. We realize this can be very tedious and may discourage you from buying as many tickets as you'd like! This year, when you purchase your tickets, you will be assigned a 3-digit number. You'll write that number on each ticket before you deposit it in the box. If you happen to forget your number later, we'll have a record of it too. We hope that this will keep things organized and also save you the hassle of writing your name out or keeping track of bunches of tickets. (If you're like me, you don't need any extra stuff in your diaper bag.)

The Prize Packages
So now that we've got the logistics out of the way, who's ready to see what you can win?
(Donors are listed in italics.)

Package 1: The Getaway

Combi Featherlight F2 Stroller (Rashada Hamlin)

Natibaby Nalu hemp/cotton blend ring sling size Medium (Marsupial Mamas)

Stroller cover

Tie dye flour sack towel by Twisted Sisters Tye Dye 

BWI beach ball 

Bonus lei! 

Estimated retail value: $325

Package 2: Surf 'n' Turf 

Iddy Biddy Pool School birthday party package

Wrapsody WrapDuo water wrap in Lagoon (anonymous donor)

Ream's Elburn Meat Market $25 gift card and reusable cup

Tie dye flour sack towel by Twisted Sisters Tye Dye

BWI beach ball 

Estimated retail value: $354

Package 3: Welcome to the World

Moby wrap in black 

Moby baby hat

Centegra Breastfeeding Resource Center $25 gift certificate

Kelli Belle Photography mini session gift certificate (available dates 11/28 and 11/29)

Package of 3 swaddle blankets by Lil Peepers Keepers

Foodii starter kit

 Estimated retail value: $280

Package 4: Pikkaboo!

 Catbird Baby Pikkolo soft structured carrier (Librarians of NCIL)

Beco organic drool pads

Kelli Belle Photography mini session gift certificate (available dates 11/28 and 11/29)

Babies R Us $30 gift card (Toys R Us/Babies R Us)

Moby baby hat

Set of 3 headbands by The Pickled Peanut

BecomingIsis nursing/teething necklace (Justine Garcia)

Tie dye flour sack towels by Twisted Sisters Tye Dye 

 Estimated retail value: $371

Package 5: Technicolor Tumbling

 Kids In Action birthday party gift certificate (Please note there is a $50 fee for this party in addition to the certificate. Total party value = $230)
Coordinating tie dye t-shirt and onesie by Twisted Sisters Tye Dye
Tie dye flour sack towel by Twisted Sisters Tye Dye
Handmade tutu (Melissa Levato)
Chompy Chic Chewlery teething accessories
Hoppediz merino baby legwarmers (Zerberts)
Planet Wise dino snack pack. 

Estimated retail value: $285

Package 6: Strong and Stylish

Kelli Belle Photography mini session gift certificate (available dates 11/28 and 11/29)

Salon Ellenbe gift certificate for haircut and wax

Outfit and accessories by The Pickled Peanut

Adam's Fit Tae Kwon Do gift certificate for one-month membership and uniform

Handmade tutu (Melissa Levato) 

Foodii starter kit 

Estimated retail value: $347

Package 7: Autumn Adventuring

Peekaru babywearing soft shell coat size XL (anonymous donor)

Ergo Original soft structured carrier

Beco organic drool pads

Kuipers Family Farm gift certificate for admission for 4 people and 1 dozen apple cider donuts

Moby baby hat 

Estimated retail value: $288

Package 8: Punk Rock Princess

KoKaDi Rockabilly woven wrap size 4 (Marsupial Mamas)

Salon Ellenbe gift certificate for haircut and wax

Avalon Lane organic vegan black mascara

Adam's Fit Tae Kwon Do gift certificate for one-month membership and uniform

Handmade tutu (Melissa Levato) 

Estimated retail value: $283

Package 9: Zig Zag Zoom

Natibaby Zig Zag Colorado linen/cotton blend woven wrap size 7 (Marsupial Mamas)

Royal Oak Farm Orchard gift certificate for 20 activity tokens

4 pairs of admission tickets from the Rockford Park District (Alpine or Sand Park Pool, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Playworld, and Carlson Ice Arena or Riverview Ice House) 

Estimated retail value: $275

 

Package 10: Sweet Dreams

Natibaby Sycamore Dreams hemp/cotton blend woven wrap size 6 (Marsupial Mamas)

Kelli Belle Photography mini session gift certificate (available dates 11/28 and 11/29)

Colonial Cafe Kitchen Sink gift certificate 

Estimated retail value: $310

Package 11: Local Artisan Love

Handmade bear quilt, 58" x 49" (Rashada Hamlin)

Handmade silver link babywearing necklace, centerpiece + chain, by Alloa Baby

Estimated retail value: $275

Check out all of the businesses that donated to us!

Register for our Embrace Your World IBW 2015 Event!

There is so much packed in to our Embrace Your World IBW 2015 Event! 

Click here to get to the event registration!!! 

Amount of experience in babywearing needed to attend our event? ZERO.

Amount of money needed to attend our event? ZERO.

Amount of carriers you need to bring with you to attend? ZERO. (Of course, if you want help with a carrier you have, please do bring that. But we have a large lending library that you will get to sample and use during our classes.)

But there are lots of big numbers to take note of!

17 Babywearing Educators!!! Our amazing BWI of NCIL group is made up of 3 Master Babywearing Educators (MBEs), 2 Advanced Babywearing Educators (ABEs), and 12 Volunteering Babywearing Educators (VBEs).

You get to look at, touch, and try on carriers from our lending library - that's 60 different brands of carriers and about 200 carriers!

And you get to have FUN! During classes, games, and just chatting with others about babywearing!

Where? Great Lakes Leadership Campus 526 N. Main St. Elburn IL 60119

Here is a listing of the entire day's events for you to peruse and decide what you want to attend. Feel free to attend one class, two, or stay all day! Remember, all these amazing classes are FREE!

ALL DAY LONG

• Check in at the registration table and get your gift bag (first 50 people registered for our event).
• Purchase your raffle tickets and enter them into whichever of the raffles you want to win!
• Visit our vendors Marsupial Mamas, Lehan's, and Fluff Envy. 
• Check out information from our other sponsors, Illinois Friends of Midwives (ILFOM) and Stephanie L. Butler, Attorney at Law.
• We have some fun games planned for you to take part in!
• Childcare, sponsored by Kindercare with space donated by Elburn Hill Church, is available for your children who are not being worn in classes. See the event link for more details on this!

Plenty of break time to do all this fun stuff in between whichever class or classes you choose to attend!

9:45am Come and get a breakfast treat provided by Dunkin Donuts before your first class! 

10am-10:45am Your choice of the following classes

         Babywearing 101 sponsored by The Joyful Giraffe

         Ring Sling Workshop

         Babywearing Workout sponsored and taught by Ryan Darby from Pound 4 Pound Fitness

11:15am-12pm Your choice of the following classes

         Intro to Wrapping sponsored by New Leaf Photography

         Mei Tais and Soft Structured Carriers

         Babywearing Yoga being taught by Lisa Gartley

12pm-1pm Lunch provided by Briana's Pancake Cafe as well as the following fun activities

         Ask the VBE - your chance to ask our VBE's whatever questions you may have!

         Babywearing 102 - Now that you learned the basics in 101, browse and try on carriers from our vast lending library.

1:15-2pm Your choice of the following classes

         Wrapping with Shorter Wraps sponsored by Radiant Heart Yoga

         Ring Sling Workshop

         Babywearing Ballet sponsored by Blue Fox Software and taught by Leah Wheatley

2:30-3:15pm Your choice of the following classes

         Intro to Tandem Wearing

         Wrap Back Carries sponsored by Cherilyn Denler Photography

         Babywearing Zumba sponsored and taught by Center-Fit

3:15-3:30pm Raffle prize winners will be announced! 

In case you missed it at the top of this page...

Click here to get to the event registration!!! 

We cannot wait to see you at the BWI of NCIL 2015 IBW Embrace Your World Event! 

A collage of our IBW 2014 Event!

IBW 2015 Class Introductions

We know you are wondering what is this big event on October 10, 2015? So we are going to tell you a few more details right before registration opens for this FREE event!

Our 2015 IBW Embrace Your World event is going to have a variety of classes that can help you learn about babywearing, about the different carriers, and of course, how to use the carriers to wear your little one. They will be broken down into more specific areas so you can just pick the particular one(s) you want to attend. We have returning favorites like Ring Slings, Wrapping Basics, Babywearing 101, Intro to Tandem Wearing and more. But it gets more exciting than that!

For our 2015 International Babywearing Week celebration, we are also having some new classes for you to take while wearing your baby!

A Babywearing Workout is being taught and sponsored by Ryan Darby from Pound 4 Pound Fitness in Elburn. Wear your baby while doing squats, arm exercises and more. Learn exercises that you can do at home while wearing your baby.

Our Babywearing Ballet class is being taught by Leah Wheatley and is being sponsored by Blue Fox Software. This class is perfect for beginners. No experience necessary.



We have Babywearing Yoga being taught by Lisa Gartley. Get your focus back while you work on your yoga skills and get baby snuggles at the same time.

Babywearing Zumba is being taught by an instructor from Center-Fit. This specially modified class will have those aspects that you love about Zumba mixed with the ability to wear your child while getting in your workout.

IBW 2015 Sponsor Introduction - Briana's Pancake Cafe

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois is thankful to have Briana's Pancake Cafe as a sponsor for the lunch provided during our IBW Embrace Your World Event. Their restaurant is located in Elburn, IL at 151 E. Route 38 and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Be sure to "Like" Briana's Pancake Cafe Facebook page and tell them Thank You for supporting BWI of NCIL!

IBW 2015 Sponsor Introduction - Fluff Envy

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois is excited to introduce you to another of our sponsors for this year's IBW Embrace Your World Event. 

We are very thankful for the sponsorship by Fluff Envy. They will be at our Embrace Your World IBW Event for your shopping pleasure. Options from Fluff Envy will include some of their eco-friendly products that are great for your diaper bag such as glass baby bottles, wooden or silicone teethers, natural health care products, cloth diapers, books and natural toys.

Be sure to go "Like" the Fluff Envy Facebook page and tell them Thank You for supporting BWI of NCIL!

IBW 2015 Sponsor Introduction - Lehan's

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois is excited to introduce you to another of our sponsors for this year's IBW Embrace Your World Event. 

A big thank you goes to our sponsor, Lehan's. They will be in-person at our event with a variety of their inventory such as Wrapsody wraps and CatBird Baby baby carriers. Lehan's will also have amber necklaces for adults and babies, teething bling necklaces, and Motherlove products too so be sure to check out their table at our Embrace Your World event!

Be sure to go "Like" the Lehan's Facebook page and tell them Thank You for supporting BWI of NCIL!

IBW 2015 Sponsor Introduction - Marsupial Mamas

You've heard that we have an event coming up on October 10th to celebrate International Babywearing Week... Well, let's start telling you about all the exciting things that will be happening that day!

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois is excited to introduce you to one of our sponsors for this year's IBW Embrace Your World Event. 

We are so thankful for our sponsor, Marsupial Mamas. They will be in-person at our event with a variety of their inventory so you can do some shopping! Marsupial Mamas has baby carriers from brands such as Natibaby, Kokadi, Baby-Doo, Fidella, Toto Wraps, and more.

Be sure to go "Like" the Marsupial Mamas Facebook page and tell them Thank You for supporting BWI of NCIL!

Mark your Calendar for International Babywearing Week!

Can you believe we have less than two months until International Babywearing Week? You just need to take one step right now to ensure you get to join us in the fun of IBW 2015 and mark this date on your calendar - October 10, 2015.

 

What's so important about October 10, 2015? 

It's THE BIG EVENT!!!!

And this year's BIG EVENT has even more fun packed into it than last year! We will have free babywearing workshops, games, food, and even a couple other special workshops which will be revealed very soon! 

Also, it is important to note that for the month of October we are only hosting this one big event on October 10 and we are not having any of our regular meetings throughout the month.

Macy's Shop for a Cause

Our group has partnered with Macy’s for their annual “Shop for a Cause” fundraiser on August 29th. This means we are selling Macy’s savings passes for $5 each and that entire $5 gets to stay with our group. The savings pass entitles you to save up to 30% all day (August 29) on select regular, sale and clearance merchandise – even brands that are normally excluded. Save 25% on select designer apparel collections for him & her, Impulse, designer handbags, Wacaol, Tumi, Wustoff, Henkels, Kate Spade home & All Clad. Save 10% on electrics/electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses, and rugs/floor coverings. Passes are good at any Macy’s Store. There is also a raffle ticket included to be deposited at the store you shop at (1 winner per store) to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card.

We will have passes for Sale at all of our upcoming meetings this month. If you are unable to attend a meeting or the meeting you go to has already occurred you can also purchase passes online through Paypal using the donate button to the right. Please make sure to note with your Paypal transaction that it is for a Macy’s savings pass. After we receive your online payment you will receive an electronic savings pass through email. If you any questions or would like more information please contact one of our admins or visit MACYS.COM/SHOPFORACAUSE.

International Babywearing Week Sponsorship Opportunities

Babywearing International of North Central Illinois is seeking sponsors and donors for International Babywearing Week (IBW) 2015. IBW is October 4-10 and our one big event this year will be on Saturday, October 10th. It will feature classes, games, raffles and lots of fun! In order to help fund these events we are asking for your help in the form of both sponsorships and donations.

Our sponsorship opportunities:

$50 Sponsorship - Receive mention on our blog on a special IBW supporters page until the following IBW, in our Facebook group and during IBW events.  You can also provide us with material (one type of flyers, cards or coupons) that attendees will be given during our Oct. 10 Embrace Your World Event.

$100 Sponsorship - Receive the above plus mention on our IBW flyers.

$125 Sponsorship (3 available) Receive above plus half of the 4' x 10' table in the conference room or a 2’ x 4’ table next to a walkway at our Embrace Your World Event on Saturday, Oct 10 in Elburn. You may hand out information and/or sell items.

$250 Sponsorship (3 available) - Receive everything from the $100 sponsorship level plus mention in print media advertising and a vendor table in the welcome area at our Embrace Your World Event on Saturday Oct. 10th in Elburn. You may staff the table and hand out information and/or sell items. *There is one spot left at this level.*

$75 Class Sponsorship - Receive your name listed on the Event registration as a sponsor, your logo on the class you sponsor at our big event, your material (flyers, cards or coupons) passed out during the class you sponsor and given to attendees at the event. There are 9 spots left at this level. If you would like to teach a class (some examples are babywearing yoga, babywearing workout, etc.), your teaching will be in lieu of cash.

Donation Opportunities:

We are also seeking donations for our raffles and giveaways.  Donors will receive mention on our blog on a special IBW supporters page until the following IBW, mention in our facebook group and public page.   You can also provide us with material (flyers, cards or coupons) that attendees will be given during our Oct. 10th Event.

Want to do a sponsorship or donation for this great event? Send an e-mail to bwiofncil@gmail.com to let us know. We only have until the end of August to get everything in place and receive donation items so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!