The Peony Party

Lyon’s Way was officially launched in June 2021 at an intimate affair referred to as The Peony Party, with the aim of bringing together a strong, like-minded group of women to be part of the initiative as it grows. The event, and the Lyon’s Way mission, were so well-received that the Foundation re-conceived The Peony Party to be a fundraising event, which in June 2022 more than tripled in size, gathering over 150 women from Barrington, Chicago, the North Shore, Hinsdale, and raising over $175,000 for the Lyon’s Way Auxiliary Fund. The Foundation also uses the event as a platform to lift up other women leaders and entrepreneurs, a sentiment which is often integrated into the event’s unique gifting experience.

2nd Annual Peony Party

On June 8, 2022, The Lyon Family Foundation hosted the 2nd Annual Peony Party at Valley View Farm in Barrington Hills in support of Lyon’s Way. The estate’s peony garden was in full bloom, serving as a beautiful backdrop to the French countryside-inspired decor touches. Parisian themed cocktails and delicate bites were passed as the ladies marveled at an unexpected routine by synchronized swimmers in pink scalloped suits. A luxury purse auction made for a friendly competition, and was followed by moments of connection listening to panelists Christine Griffin, Bianca Manzo, and Ioanna Lo Destro, share stories about their personal cancer journeys. Ladies left with personalized leather travel bags courtesy of Ferrari Lake Forest, custom ice cream bars from Pretty Cool, and luxury sponsor gift bags complete with Petite Plume pajamas and a custom-designed Deseda scarf, inspired by the imagery in the event collateral. The event raised over $175,000 for the Lyon’s Way Auxiliary Fund, which will remove financial stressors for patients in the University of Chicago Medicine Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program at Comer Children’s Hospital.

Our Generous Sponsors

Vendors & Talent

STRATEGY & PLANNING || @esppresents

DECOR || @lifeinbloom

CATERING || @entertaining_co

DESSERTS || @altissimacake

DJ || @mattroan

SWIMMERS || @aquabatixusa

RENTALS || @thefestivefrog

TENT || @chanceproevents

VALET & CAR SERVICE || @vipvaletservices

AV || @frostchicago

FAVORS || @prettycoolicecream

PAPER & DESIGN || @every.little.something

FAN DESIGN || @ejddesign

PHOTO || @emiliajane_

VIDEO || @annalord

BRAND PARTNERS || @ferrarilakeforest @petiteplume - @shopdeseda - @luxelet - @efcollection - @olivestuart - @romer - @bynaomi.co - @crunchyhydration

First Annual Peony Party

Together with over forty friends and family members, the Lyon Family Foundation celebrated the launch of Lyon’s Way on June 16, 2021, at Valley View Farm in Barrington Hills, Illinois. This inaugural event served as a platform to unite a group of talented and philanthropic women who will be invited to act as Lyon’s Way Ambassadors as the initiative gains momentum.

During this thoughtfully curated afternoon, guests sipped on “Roman Lyonade” poolside, created custom floral bouquets at the Valley View Farm Flower Barn, and enjoyed a beautiful tented al fresco lunch while learning about what’s in bloom at Lyon’s Way. Dr. Jennifer McNeer, co-director of the AYA program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, kindly joined to speak about the relevance of the new partnership. And all experienced what it means to “love like a Lyon,” as each lady departed with customized Lyon’s Way Moroccan totes, luxurious lotions, silk scarves and gelato to-go.