THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2008
A Marvelous Mystique Of Models Show Benefits School
By DENISE FLEISCHER
Lifestyle Editor
The fourth annual Our Lady of Destiny School Fashion Show was held Thursday, Nov. 20 at Manzo's Ristorante & Banquets in Des Plaines. The masquerade theme was partnered with flamenco and salsa music adding a spicy touch to a cold evening outside.
Two hundred fifty parents, students and teachers entered the banquet hall to find white covered tables with Christmas cactus and masquerade masks set in black hats. Silent auction items lined the back walls and Fran Dunne and Mary Sharon Kellens sold jewelry.
On the menu was cream of chicken soup, salad with Italian and peppercorn dressings, chicken marsala with sides of green beans almondine and oven roasted potatoes and chocolate sundae for dessert.
Known as a team-effort with Noreen Fahey at the helm, this fundraising event benefits Our Lady of Destiny in Des Plaines and its students.
"We are supported solely by tuition and private fundraising events," noted Fahey. "This event raises funds earmarked for computer technology, arts, music and cultural enrichment activities. In addition, our committee is passionate about supporting parochial school and the core values that are fostered within its walls."
Fahey stated that the dedication of the parents, teachers, students and community is what makes this event so special. She is honored and privileged to work with eight women who have creativity, energy and the incredible ability to "get things done."
Last year they raised $10,000 for Our Lady of Destiny and hoped to meet or exceed that amount, even during difficult economic times.
The Fashion Show Committee included Noreen Fahey - event chairperson; Jonell Madden - model and fashion coordinator; Kathy Collins and Denise Straub - advertising; Kathy Duffy - favor bags; Jennifer Maurer - coordinator of the grand finale; Kathy Dunne - decorating and centerpieces; Pam Theys - raffle and silent auction coordinator; Maureen Prochenski - finance and Jeff Salcedo - photography.
Father Gene Dyer welcomed Our Lady of Destiny families and offered the Prayer for God's Blessing. Fahey followed by stating the importance of supporting the school and introduced all that helped make the event possible.
"Manzo's offers tremendous community support and partners with us to make this show an exceptionally profitable event for our school," added Jonell Madden. "We are grateful for and honored by their continued support of this and other events held by our school."
Students and their parents, teachers, board members, coaches, the parish secretary, even the Mayor of Des Plaines and Father Dyer modeled today's latest fashions. Clothing presented was from Nika le Boutique, dELiA's, Carson Pirie Scott, Robin Elliot, Pea in the Pod Maternity, Emanuelle Tuxedos, The Avenue and Dragonwear from the school.
The models walked the runway holding color-coordinated masks. Clothing featured were fall and winter fashions for girls: knit tops, black pants, an adorable black jacket and hoodies and more. Moms and teachers graced the stage with elegant evening gowns in Earth toned colors and dotted with dazzling sequins.
In between fashion show sets, children pulled raffle tickets and watched excited parents come to claim their prizes.