HOPE for widows and widowers

We are a welcoming and diverse group of men and women who have all suffered the loss of a spouse or partner. We are supportive but not a support group. We are a group that enjoys each others company.

We want you to be an active member. Because of this, our membership is limited to widows and widowers who can attend our meetings in person: residents of Chicago and it's suburbs.

We get together casual pizza nights and outdoor picnics...we have a lot of fun together . It's really nice to be with people who truly understand what you're going through. You will feel supported when you are around others walking the same road.
It’s really important to be true to your RSVP. Food is ordered in advance based on the number of RSVPS I get. The cut off is 12pm the day before the event. Once that time has passed- you are responsible to pay your fair share whether you are there or not- otherwise those folks who abide by the rules end up paying extra to cover for the folks who don’t abide by the rules. If you are a no show ( that includes cancelling after 12pm the day before) you will be expected to pay your share of the bill. Because our group has gotten so big- we now have to pre order the food as per the restaurant’s request. Refusal to pay your share so will result in being removed from the group.

Additionally - you must have a recognizable picture of yourself posted with your profile and ( at least) your actual first name posted. You are expected to be kind to everyone. If you have an issue with the group or an individual please talk to me privately.

If you don’t like the restaurant I picked or its location …. Don’t come. Seriously. I don’t want to hear about it. We have folks from all over in the group - NW side of the city, Oak park, Buffalo Grove, Arlington heights , Skokie, Wilmette and Evanston. Among others. I move the location around. We mostly stay in the Glenview/MortonGrove area as they are accessible so many different ways.

Should you want to suggest a place….. awesome. Don’t suggest it unless you’ve done your due diligence.
Do they take reservations? What’s the parking situation? Can they accommodate a group of 25-30? Do they have private rooms- if so, is there an additional fee? Do we have to order off the catering menu? Is there a minimum? I have to do this with every place we go to or want to go to. Once you’ve done all of that - feel free to suggest places.

I pay the considerable dues by having you all pay me in cash ( the pizza and salad bill is split equally) and I use a credit card are that earns 5% at restaurants.
That 5% covers the dues.