About 200 people found a pleasant alternative to the burger-and-fries lunch break Tuesday.
For a ticket price of $25, the group of mostly women was treated to chicken Dijon, and fashions from lingerie to formal wear, at the sixth annual Places in the Heart Luncheon and Style Show at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn.
Two county-based not-for-profit agencies equally shared proceeds from the event: Home of the Sparrow, which provides transitional shelter for homeless women and children, and Turning Point, which assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“We designed a short but classy program this year, centered around an Egyptian theme,” said event chairwoman Marta Given of Crystal Lake. “More than a moneymaker, it is designed to boost community awareness and generate volunteers, who are the heart and soul of these organizations.”
Beverly Robberson of Crystal Lake, who had friends who benefited from both of the agencies, started the event six years ago. This year, Given did the work, along with Jenn Swinford of Woodstock and Glenda Stewart of Crystal Lake.
“It’s just a handful of women every year, attempting to draw focus to these groups and give a little back,” said Givens.
Stewart, who runs Stewart’s Northwest Talent, gathered 25 models and produced the fashion show. Audience members were treated to a professional-quality runway event that included styles ranging from the wardrobe staple little black dress to funky tie-dyes.
A martial arts student kicked off the program with high-flying moves. A popular wedding segment made a return this year, with fashions from Amy’s Bridal Boutique in Algonquin.
Other fashions came courtesy of Trade Winds Cove, Crystal Lake; Gipper Formal Wear, Crystal Lake; and designer lines Cosabella, Fiore and Liz Claiborne.
Lou Ness, executive director of Turning Point, and Joy Martin, program manager of Home of the Sparrow, thanked the fundraiser’s organizers.
“This event helps raise the consciousness of the general public,” Martin said. “Homelessness and domestic violence is right here. If we don’t help each other, it’s very difficult to make due.”
