Hearts of Grace began informally in 1993 when a group of women serving on the Board of Outreach Community Ministries decided to reach out to their peers to encourage their support for OCM and its ministry with women and their families. Out of this decision, OCM’s Annual Women’s Luncheon and Silent Auction was launched and has continued to develop ever since. With an average attendance each year of close to 600 guests, net contributions to OCM from the Luncheon topped 1.9 million dollars in 2010!
Building a Community
Over the years an informal community of faithful women has developed out of contacts and friendships that emerged from the Luncheon and in 2009 this led to the decision to provide an identity and leadership for this community.
The Hearts of Grace identity was developed in the fall of 2009 and a new fundraising project was launched in the form of an evening event that featured guest artist Steven Curtis Chapman. More than 600 guests were in attendance at this event in which the Hearts of Grace identity was unveiled and guests were invited to participate with Hearts of Grace in its Family Sponsors ministry.
In 2010 the decision was made to fold the annual OCM Women’s Luncheon and its Leadership Team under the banner of Hearts of Grace and in September 2010 the Hearts of Grace Action Board was formed with Berni Graham of Wheaton serving as its inaugural president.
Moving Online
Perhaps the most exciting development for Hearts of Grace is the decision to develop the Hearts of Grace community through an interactive website that is integrated with social media outlets and incorporates real-time updates on the work of OCM and “Stories of Hope” from the children, teens, parents, and volunteers who participate in the ministries at OCM. The new website operates under the domain name of HeartsofGrace.org and was officially launched on October 21, 2010, at the 18th Annual Women’s Luncheon.
In 2011 the Action Board sponsored its first spring event—a fashion show in May at Glen Oak Country Club. Plans are well underway to build on its success with the second annual Hearts of Grace Fashion Show scheduled for March 2012 at Medinah Country Club.