Neuqua's fashion show planned in record time

It takes a lot of guts to try something new, particularly when lots of people are involved.

But the parents who jumped on board a fundraiser for the Neuqua Valley Boosters not only are breaking new ground, they're doing it in record time to create what promises to be a unique and wild night.

To truly understand tonight's boisterous event, you've got to be there -- and all are invited to "Wildcats on the Catwalk" at the Naperville school. If you enjoy teenagers, trendy teen clothing, Willie the Wildcat, musicians and dancing, raffles and silent auctions, this night is for you.

From discussion stages to fruition, the committee's vision took nine weeks to create.

In that short time, members:

• Recruited dozens of high school athletes -- mostly varsity athletes who generally run from school to practice to games with nary a thought of modeling slightly eyebrow-raising clothing for an audience.

• Secured the cooperation of trendy apparel retailer Urban Outfitters to partner in this concept, showcasing its clothing and Neuqua's athletes. (I venture to say UO has never worked with models like this before …)

• Sweet talked a group of high school coaches and one former coach/MC whose positions weigh much more heavily on the side of love of the game and the kids than the size of the extracurricular paychecks. So what have they done? Agreed to come to school on an unscheduled Saturday night and open themselves up to catcalls from the throngs.

• Charmed countless Naperville businesses into donating items for door prizes, as well as silent auction items for the first-time event.

• Spread the word, sold tickets and prepared for something no one had heard of before, not having any clue as to the size of the crowd.

• Recruited younger students and parents to help with every aspect of setting up and running the event.

I watched in amazement and encouragement, but truly couldn't hope to keep up with their energy and enthusiasm. All I can do is offer my congratulations on tonight's inaugural event.

They deserve many kudos for taking the risk of a challenge this size. They threw themselves wholeheartedly into a new concept on a grand scale, contributing an incredible number of volunteer hours.

The hardest thing? It was what organizers thought would be the easiest -- convincing the athletes to model, said Cathy Ferrel, Boosters fundraising chairwoman and the person who came up with "Wildcats on the Catwalk."

"Everyone has been so positive, saying 'thanks for doing this,' and offering help. It's been phenomenal," said Ferrel, who dreamed up the idea after researching fundraisers online and coming across lots of fashion shows.

"I thought fashion show and athletes and spent a couple of weeks thinking about it," Ferrel said. "Then I had a meeting, and all these people showed up and they gave input and we created the committees …"

The rest is not so much history as perhaps hard work with a dash of hilarity.

Ferrel and co-producer Meg Paweleski are counting on Patti Robinson and Debbie Archakis to orchestrate the most difficult section of the event -- backstage with more than 50 model/athletes, nine coaches and nine coaches' kids and all of their clothing, shoes and accessories that must be kept track of and remain pristine enough to go back on the racks at the store.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with musical entertainment and a silent auction featuring 12 items worth $150 to $500, including a Tiffany bracelet, a golf package, a handmade Italian leather jacket and autographed sports items from the White Sox and Bears.

Raffle tickets are $1 each, seven for $5 or 12 for $10 for items worth $40 to $100, including merchandise and gift cards from restaurants, retailers and salons all over Naperville.

"The response has been tremendous, especially for a first-year event," said Michelle Iskowitz, who with Boosters President John Griffin solicited donations. "It makes you want to hug the whole world. People are so generous. They hear 'Neuqua Boosters' and they say, 'yes.' "

So, if you're free tonight, head over to Neuqua, 2360 95th St.

It's a great opportunity for young families to check out where their kids are headed, for empty-nesters to re-live those days of having high school students hanging around, and for folks who just want to reconnect with old friends.

Have some fun and free refreshments and help this great group of volunteers make this event Wild-ly successful.

If you go

What: "Wildcats on the Catwalk" fundraiser and fashion show to benefit the Neuqua Valley Booster Club

When: 6:30 p.m. today

Where: Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville

Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students

Info: (630) 717-9278 or rmr6262@comcast.net