Win mystery jewel at fundraiser lunch
All that glitters will burst forth with a champagne raffle, and the lucky person holding the glass will have an opportunity to win a glittery jewel from a respected local jeweler.
In a stroke of creativity and on the heels of its success last year, the champagne raffle allows the sale of only 100 glasses, at $10 a flute, during "All that Glitters," a luncheon-fashion show sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Mercedes Benz of Hoffman Estates. Those who don't consume alcohol may choose a soft drink and still be part of the fundraiser.
So far the identity of the jewel and whether it is in the form of ring, necklace or bangle is a mystery, but chamber show chairwoman Ginny Roncoli reveals it will arrive from Rahl Jewelers in Hoffman Estates in time for the festive event, scheduled for 11 a.m. Nov. 2 in the Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates' Prairie Stone, 4800 Columbine Blvd.
Roncoli, manager and vice president of Harris Bank on Gannon Drive, shares show event duties with Susan Reedquist, who is the hard-working director of development for the Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County. Harris Bank is a gold sponsor, along with Alexian Brothers Hospital Network.
Others on the committee, which has spent the past 10 months planning the fundraiser on behalf of the chamber's scholarship program, are Tiffany Peterson, Joyce Aldawood, Caryn Amster, Sharon Bending, Linda LaGambina, Diana Litz, Terrie Rosenberg, Lynn Taylor, Chrissy Tighe and Nausheen Zubair. Chamber Executive Director Jill Blodgett and staff person Geri Grzelak are also on the committee.
Roncoli, who has a flair for organization and seeks unusual ideas, says her team already has volunteered 50 to 60 hours each on behalf of the fashion show, at which her committee members will don formal wear.
Members are mum on the identity of the table centerpieces, saying only that they will be spectacular and fit the theme.
"I like to get everyone's ideas and input, and I believe in delegation," Roncoli said. "I am fortunate to have a group of strong individuals who know their strengths so I'm just responsible for dotting the i's and crossing the t's."
Ushers Paul Jochim of Clearbrook and Ron Irion of Plum Grove Printers will escort guests to their tables. There they will dine on pecan-crusted chicken and raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake brulee, as they watch professional models from Zzazz Production Company stroll the runway with the latest fall, winter, and holiday fashions.
Mayor Bill McLeod and chamber members Roncoli, Ed Pavlovitch, Anita Forte Scott, Mary Bamenek, Misty Redman, Jeff Winkenweder, Rich Piccolo, Melissa Alvarado, Ann Day, Eileen LeBlanc, Kim Brancamp and Colette Givens-Lanton will model furs from York Furrier of Elmhurst and Deer Park.
Dinner, theater and hotel overnight packages are part of the silent auction but other items up for bid include a family zoo package, an Arlington Park day at the races, $100 Woodfield Shopping Center certificate, two tickets for the Wynonna Tribute on Ice at Sears Centre, a party for 10 by Sand Art Creations, an opportunity to watch the Shamrox pre game warm-up from the team bench, a romance package at the Hilton Garden Inn, and a children's cooking class at Le Titi de Paris.
This year, the chamber director, who is keeping her fingers crossed on whether or not she will be at the show due to the impending arrival of her first grandchild, says she's convinced men and women enjoy dressing up for the luncheon fashion show event.
"It's something fun and glamorous, and with the holidays coming up, it's also a good opportunity to start shopping at our silent auction," Blodgett said.
Blodgett's daughter Christie and spouse Matt Dycus expect their first child the day following the fashion show, but in her line of work, Blodgett fully knows how events can take a fast turn.
The $50 luncheon/fashion show tickets are on sale now. For information, call the chamber office at (847) 981-9100.
Rock and roll rally:ŒGayle Vandenbergh, who represents the Friends of Hoffman Estates Parks, invites adults to join the rock and roll legends road rally "Gone, but Not Forgotten," taking place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates.
Clues will be scattered about town, and the winning team will claim the prize. After the rally, the party continues with music, a Halloween appetizer buffet and two drinks, all included in the $40 registration fee.
For information, call Vandenbergh at (847) 535-7489.