One Sleep Left! – Face Your Fears Halloween Ball: Final Countdown

October 2026 Updates

"Face Your Fears" TOMORROW!!

There's still time to grab a costume + celebrate!
The stage is set for our Epic Halloween Fundraiser Ball.
Grab a costume (or dress in all black) and experience Halloween through the eyes of your inner child.  It's the perfect way to support a mission for kids - by being brave enough to be a kid!
Recapture the magic + help us recreate it for the next generation!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS, RAFFLE, SILENT AUCTION + DONATIONS!
EVENT LINE-UP SNEAK PEEK
Enjoy this sneak peek of the spooky surprises, sinful snacks, smoking sips and spectacular sites that await you thanks to our Philanthropic Phantoms!
WHY HAVEN'T YOU GOTTEN YOUR TICKETS YET?!
ONE RAFFLE TICKET - THREE PRIZES!

Buy any amount of Raffle Tickets and choose from three amazing prizes to try and win. The more tickets you buy, the cheaper they are. 
*Winners announced at the Ball. You do not need to be present to win. You can choose any combination of prizes and will receive an email by 10/28 to pick those choices.
BUY RAFFLE PRIZE TICKETS HERE
SILENT AUCTION SITE - LIVE!
SPORTS! SNACKS! STUFF! STAY + PLAY! SELF-CARE + SPA-ahhhh
This year's silent auctions has it all -
The total retail value of these packages is over $25,000!
The Silent Auction is open to preview, register and offer an opening bid.
Bidding will close on Friday 10/30 at 10pm 
You do not have to be present to win.. but you should be!!
FOLLOW US!
Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! As Hostess Jen and MC Tyler Dean demonstrate - ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or costume idea w/ tag:#FaceYourFearsBall

The Power of a Lovey: Featured in Hinsdale Living Magazine

In The Press | October 2026

Sometimes, the smallest comforts make the biggest difference.

The Lovey Project and founder Jen Dean are featured in the October 2026 issue of Hinsdale Living magazine! In an inspiring article titled "Soft Power," readers discover the heartfelt story behind The Lovey Project and its mission to help children build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

From the comforting power of a cherished stuffed animal to meaningful community programs and the annual Face Your Fears fundraiser, this feature celebrates how love, connection, and a little softness can make a lasting impact.

Read the full article in Hinsdale Living!

The Power of a Lovey: Featured in Hinsdale Living Magazine

One Week Left! – Sharing “Face Your Fears” with Families all weekend!

October 2026 Updates

Sharing "Face Your Fears" with Families all weekend

This is why we ask you to "Face Your Fears" once a year - YOU make the mission possible!
Join us this Saturday (11a-2p) at the Hinsdale Family Fall Festival. We will have a booth in the Hinsdale Middle School Gym with Halloween-themed games, crafts, prizes, costume photo ops and an introduction to our "Tell Me a Story!" interactive story times.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS, RAFFLE, SILENT AUCTION + DONATIONS!
Join us Sunday (9-11am) at the HephziBOO Dash at Maple Park (1105 S. Maple Ave) in Oak Park. We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this annual "run" through the park - in costume! Families in the community enjoy pre- and post-run activities, raffles, prizes, treats and more. This event raises funds to support Hephzibah Home's after school program and summer camp.
The Lovey Project's donations have also covered the cost of new costumes for all of Hephzibah's children this season!
THANK YOU TO OUR VILLAGE
Enjoy this sneak peek of the spooky surprises, sinful snacks, smoking sips and spectacular sites that await you thanks to our Philanthropic Phantoms!
WHY HAVEN'T YOU GOTTEN YOUR TICKETS YET?!
ONE RAFFLE TICKET - THREE PRIZES!

Buy any amount of Raffle Tickets and choose from three amazing prizes to try and win. The more tickets you buy, the cheaper they are. 
*Winners announced at the Ball. You do not need to be present to win. You can choose any combination of prizes and will receive an email by 10/28 to pick those choices.
BUY RAFFLE PRIZE TICKETS HERE
SILENT AUCTION - BIDS OPEN
SILENT AUCTION SITE - LIVE!
SPORTS! SNACKS! STUFF! STAY + PLAY! SELF-CARE + SPA-ahhhh
This year's silent auctions has it all -
The total retail value of these packages is over $25,000!
The Silent Auction is open to preview, register and offer an opening bid.
Bidding will close on Friday 10/30 at 10pm 
You do not have to be present to win.. but you should be!!
FOLLOW US!
Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! As Hostess Jen and MC Tyler Dean demonstrate - ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or costume idea w/ tag:#FaceYourFearsBall

2 Weeks Left! – Face Your Fears Raffles & Silent Auction

October 2026 Updates

With only TWO Fridays to go, You can't be slow
No Tickets yet? Say it isn't so! 

 
What are you waiting for?! BUY NOW! 
Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for our children. Buy raffle tickets, event tickets & VIP tickets today!
BUY TICKETS HERE
Still not sure you can attend but want to help spread the word?
Share this post from Lovey's Instagram on any of your socials and you'll automatically be entered in our PRIZE GIVEAWAY!
Prize Drawing on Sunday, 10/18 so share today!
LINK TO SHARE INSTAGRAM POST
ONE RAFFLE TICKET - THREE PRIZES!

Buy any amount of Raffle Tickets and choose from three amazing prizes to try and win. The more tickets you buy, the cheaper they are - and the more chances you have to win! Sneak Peek of the "Designers for Days" Prize below.

*Winners announced at the Ball. You do not need to be present to win. You can choose any combination of prizes and will receive an email by 10/28 to pick those choices.
BUY RAFFLE PRIZE TICKETS HERE
SILENT AUCTION TEASER
We have an amazing array of Silent Auction offerings this year
The total retail value of these items is over $25,000!
The Silent Auction site will be available on Friday 10/23 for viewing.
Bidding will open on Thursday, 10/29 at 7pm
Bidding will close on Friday 10/30 at 10pm 
You do not have to be present to win.. but you should be!!
We're highlighting our sponsors + donors all month
Please remember, you help us fund a year's worth of programming, events, Loveys and resources, so every small donation has a big impact.
Thank you for continuing to support + believe in us!
FOLLOW US!
Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or raffle win using tag: 
#FaceYourFearsBall

3 Fridays Left! – Face Your Fears Halloween Ball & Prizes

October 2026 Updates

ONLY 3 FRIDAYS LEFT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW 

FOMO is Real-Don't Miss the Halloween Event of the Season!!
Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for our children. Buy raffle tickets, event tickets & VIP tickets today!
HURRY! BUY TICKETS NOW
"Hinsdale Living" Magazine did an amazing Feature on Lovey Project for their October issue. We are thrilled to share it here!
RAFFLE TICKET UPDATE - BUY NOW!
ONE RAFFLE TICKET - THREE PRIZES!

Our Raffle Prizes got an upgrade - Buy any amount of Raffle Tickets and choose which of our three prizes you'd like to try and win. A fun and easy way to support our fundraiser, even if you can't attend the party! The more tickets you buy, the cheaper they are - and the more chances you have to win!

PRIZES:
PRE-PARTY PACKAGE - Everything you need to prepare for your next big outing - from hair + make-up to a Nordstrom personal shopper, Booze, Charcuterie, Limo and more!
DESIGNERS GALORE - You've never seen a more unique collection of designer goods all in one prize!
HAUNTED SAVANNAH (Trip for 2) a three day/two night stay in the coolest haunted city in the US, includes airfare, accommodations, dinner cruise, tours and a basket of vacation prep goodies

*Winning tickets pulled at event and live-streamed. Do not need to be present to win. You can choose any combination of prize chances (all in one cauldron; split evenly between the three or anything in between)
2025 HAUNT HIGHLIGHTS
REMEMBER HOW MUCH FUN WE HAD LAST YEAR? CHECK OUT OUR 2025 COLLAGE & PARTY WRAP-UP VIDEO - AND THEN PLAN TO JOIN US THIS YEAR FOR EVEN MORE FUN!!
CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHT REEL OF 2025'S EPIC "FACE YOUR FEARS"
1ST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER BALL
FOLLOW US!

Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or raffle win using tag: 

#FaceYourFearsBall

30 Days! – FOMO is Real-Don’t Miss the Halloween Event of the Season!

October 2026 Updates

IT'S OCTOBER
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW 

FOMO is Real-Don't Miss the Halloween Event of the Season!!
Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for our children. Buy raffle tickets, event tickets & VIP tickets today!
HURRY! BUY TICKETS HERE
HAUNTED HALL OF FAME FAMILY TREE + PORTRAITS
JOIN US "IN SPIRIT" 
 
If you can't attend the Gala, but still want to support our mission, there is a Haunted Family Portrait Hall of Fame to celebrate YOU! 
Donations include:
Up to $200 A gothic twist to your name of choice for the "family tree"
$200+ Your haunted name added to a Gothic Gorey Framed Portrait 
$500+ Send in a photo for a custom-designed Gothic Gorey Portrait
$1000+ Add a custom-designed prop with your haunted name at the event (choices provided) in addition to your framed portrait

*All portraits and a copy of the "family tree" available as keepsakes, along with a SWAG bag of goodies after the event.
SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT - WINTRUST 
Thank you to WINTRUST for being a Gala sponsor and underwriting these soft, cuddly custom "Face Your Fears" Bat Blankies, which we are giving away at our fall events (including the Gala)! These adorable bats are also popping up in local businesses, available to take home with a small donation, so be on the lookout! As he reminds us, "Trying something new is always brave!"
HAUNTING HIGHLIGHTS
Our Gothic Gala has spooks, screams and surprises around every corner - Tarot Readings, a Macabre Magician, Carnival Games with a Gorey Twist, Specialty Cocktails, Char-BOO-terie stations, TWO haunted walk-throughs and jump-scares galore -
WHY WOULD YOU MISS THIS?!
COSTUME INSPIRATION FROM 2025's
WINNERS, COUPLES + CREWS
FOLLOW US!

Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or raffle win using tag: 

#FaceYourFearsBall

45 Days! – Face Your Fears Halloween Ball & Raffles

September 2026 Updates

Happy Fall Y'all!
Only 45 Days 'til the Party of the Season
Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for our children. Buy raffle tickets, event tickets & VIP tickets today!
LINK FOR RAFFLES, TICKETS + VIP OPTIONS
BUY RAFFLE TICKETS NOW!
Win BIG before the Ball begins!
To get you in the "BOO-D," we have a raffle prize package drawing every Sunday evening in October! The more you buy, the more you save *and* the more chances you have to win - all tickets count for all prizes! Winners announced via social media + website:
  • One ticket - $10
  • Six ticket bundle - $50
  • 12 ticket bundle - $100
  • 25 ticket bundle - $200
A separate raffle for our grand prize "GOLDEN TICKET" is available at $100 per ticket. Winner will be announced at the Gala.
(don't need to be present to win)
SPONSORS + DONORS 
Our 2026 Fundraising Goal is $250,000
Want to be a part of the movement?
We’d love your support in any (or all!) of these ways. 
Everything matters!
LIST OF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Volunteer hours with The Lovey Project are filling fast because it's a great way to earn service hours and have a unique, meaningful FUN experience!
SIGN-UP GENIUS LINK FOR VOLUNTEERS
Introducing our Ode to Edward Gorey and his "Gashlycrumb Tinies" ABCs book
When a kindergarten-aged Leo discovered his name was featured as one of the children with a darkly, weird demise, it became an instant favorite. ("L is for Leo who swallowed some tacks") Guests will have a blast in this "graveyard" full of our custom-created, humorous tombstones!

Why Edward Gorey? Because children love his ability to help them face their fears with a giggle. He takes Victorian and Edwardian imagery, combines it with the Roaring Twenties and puts a dark, moody, humorous twist on it all. Read more in the link to a 2025 NY Times Essay on 100th anniversary of his birth.
A Tribute to Edward Gorey (2/25 NYT Essay)
FOLLOW US!

Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or raffle win using tag: 

#FaceYourFearsBall

60 Days! – Face Your Fears Halloween Ball Countdown

August 2026 Updates

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES
TWO MONTHS TO GO! 
Are you ready for Lovey Project's 2nd annual Halloween Fundraiser Ball? Celebrate in decadent decay with our haunted Gorey / Great Gatsby theme:
"A Gothic Gala in the Court of Curse'd Shadows"

Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for all of our children. Buy tickets today!
BUY "FACE YOUR FEARS" TICKETS NOW
YOU'RE INVITED
Lovey's Open House is this week!
NO RSVP needed (E-mail link for questions)
RAFFLE PRIZES ARE READY!
Win BIG before the Ball begins!
To get you in the "BOO-D," we have raffle prize packages every week in October, including a grand prize "GOLDEN TICKET"  at the Gala (don't need to be present to win)
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS HERE
THANK YOU, WINTRUST! 
The Lovey Project is thrilled to announce that WINTRUST is sponsoring our sweetest treat for kids. Together with Baby Jack + Co (WI), we have created custom "Face Your Fears" Lovey Blankies for our Halloween events!
The adorable blankies will have a cuddly bat on one side and powerful messages underneath. Along with clips, ribbons and fidget strips, these snuggly Loveys are perfect for all!
SPONSORS + DONORS 
Our 2026 Fundraising Goal is $250,000
Want to be a part of the movement?
We’d love your support in any (or all!) of these ways. 
Everything matters!
LIST OF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE CREATING CRAZY-COOL SETS + HAVING A BLAST! JOIN US!!

If you or your teenagers are looking for unique opportunities for volunteer hours, The Lovey Project is just what you need! Check out the latest pictures of our volunteers working on set pieces for our Halloween Gala - part easy + silly crafts, part horror-movie-set-worthy art, ALL fun and all for a great cause!
SIGN-UP GENIUS LINK FOR VOLUNTEERS
FOLLOW US!

Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! ANY COSTUME (OR NO COSTUME) WORKS! Tag your costume prep, party crew or raffle win using tag: 

#FaceYourFearsBall

75 Days! – Face Your Fears Gothic Gala & Fundraiser

August 2026 Updates

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: 
75 DAYS! 
Are you ready for Lovey Project's epic, spooky, moody
"Gothic Gala in the Court of Curse'd Shadows"

Imagine attending the Great Gatsby's last Ball *after* it went wrong... when the ghosts of decadent days past come out to play.

Join us for a night of beautiful darkness to fund a brighter future for all of our children. Reserve your spot today!
BUY "FACE YOUR FEARS" TICKETS NOW

Win BIG before the Ball even begins!
To get you in the "BOO-D" for a Halloween Party this year, we have raffle prize packages for every week in October, including a grand prize drawing at the Gala
  
Buy any amount of raffle tickets for all prizes. If you don't win the first prize (or if you buy more than one ticket), you are automatically still entered in the rest of the drawings.
Prizes awarded each Sunday in October
Grand Prize awarded on Friday, October 30th 
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS HERE
SPONSORS + DONORS 
Our 2026 Fundraising Goal is $250,000
Want to be a part of the movement?
We’d love your support in any (or all!) of these ways. 
Everything matters!
LIST OF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Why HALLOWEEN?

Many have asked us about the relationship between the Lovey Project and a fundraiser on Halloween. They evolved together!

Naturally, Loveys help children when they feel insecure, sad or scared, so that felt like a no-brainer. But our family's love of Halloween goes much deeper, with some crazy twists (a good ghost story always has them). 

Read the full origin story here:
Read "A Boy, His Lovey + Some Monsters" - Lovey's Origin Story
WATCH THE FYF2 PROMO VIDEO HERE
FOLLOW US!

Find The Lovey Project on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes magic, raffle and auction previews and costume inspirations! Tag your costume prep, party crew or early raffle win using tag: 

#FaceYourFearBall

Summer Success Stories & Upcoming Fall Events

July 2026 Updates
IT'S A SUPER SUMMER OF LOVE(Y)!
BOOT CAMP SUCCESS, A BIG MOVE,
POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS + UPCOMING EVENTS
No Screens, Just Screams of Joy!
Lovey Project's 1st "Training Wheels for Your Brain" Summer Camp welcomed 50+ campers & volunteers who learned how to embrace their Curiosity, Creativity + Connections to join the "Screen-Free Rebels" in Freedom, Friendship + FUN! 
JOIN US! NEW OFFICES OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, September 2nd (10a-7p)
The Lovey Project has moved into beautiful new office space in Oak Brook with a media room, library and much more! Please join us to see how much we've grown and how much more we have planned for Fall 2026 and beyond! NO RSVP needed - show up anytime for program updates, tours, drinks + snacks, raffle prizes + more!
The Lovey Project
1010 Jorie Blvd, Suite 142
Oak Brook, IL 60523
FACE YOUR FEARS 2

LESS THAN 100 DAYS!
Are you ready for a spooky, moody "Haunted Great Gatsby" - Imagine attending Gatsby's last Ball *after* it went deadly, horribly, darkly wrong...

The Lovey Project’s signature fundraiser  is Victorian Gothic mischief with purpose.
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Friday, October 30th (6:30pm)
at the KLM Lodge in Hinsdale

A night of beautiful darkness, built to fund brighter futures for kids!
FYF2 "A Gothic Gala in the Court of Curse'd Shadows" Tickets + Sponsorships
THE LOVEY PROJECT IS PROUD OF OUR PARTNERSHIPS + COLLABORATIONS
HERE ARE OUR 2Q26 HIGHLIGHTS
The Lovey Project provided 700+ mini-Loveys to IL's largest blood drive; sent over 300 Loveys and anti-anxiety tools to Hephzibah Home's back to school event; sponsored Big5 Tanzania's fundraiser to support women and children in Tanzania, Africa; and participated in REAL SOCIAL's community meeting about screen-free schools and parenting - A great first half of 2026!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
  • 8/23, 8/30 - 1st Volunteer Dates
  • 9/2 - OPEN HOUSE
  • 9/20 - LOVEY PORTRAITS
  • 10/18 - COSTUME PORTRAITS
  • 10/25 - HephziBOO Dash
  • 10/30 - FACE YOUR FEARS Fundraiser Ball
Follow us on socials and check our website for details and registration.
THE LOVEY PROJECT's
 "UNPLUG" Adult Programming
The spring event was so well-received that we are offering UNPLUG events for your PTOs, Parent Groups, Book Clubs and other clubs that would benefit.

Typical program is 35 minutes (plus Q&A session) Materials are available for distribution and purchase.
SCHEDULE YOUR UNPLUG EVENT TODAY!

Connect

  • TheLoveyProject.org
  • The Lovey Project’s mission is mental wellness. We work with children ages 3-13, along with their families and communities.

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Get Involved

TheLoveyProject.org
The Lovey Project needs your help to reach our goals! Join us as we try to make this world a safer, softer, more loving place for as many children as possible
– one Lovey at a time.

Connect

  • TheLoveyProject.org
  • The Lovey Project’s mission is mental wellness. We work with children ages 3-13, along with their families and communities.
The Lovey Project is a 501(C)3 non-profit charity registered in the State of Illinois (Tax ID 47-4803025).
As such, donations to The Lovey Project may be tax-deductible.
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