Amity School Children’s Aid Fashion Show FUNdraiser a “Runway Success!”

Amity School Children’s Aid, an Oak Park/River Forest based philanthropic organization, hosted their annual luncheon fashion show fund raiser on Tuesday, May 24^th at the beautiful Oak Park Country Club. 120 guests started their afternoon with cocktails, boutique shopping and bidding on an array of silent auction items before being called into the sunlit main dining room for a seated lunch service. Amity President, Myra Price, warmly greeted guests and shared a brief background about Amity’s mission. Founded in 1925, the organization is dedicated to helping local public school children obtain needed eyeglasses, hearing aids, winter coats, shoes, and other necessities. The all-volunteer board, Jane Filek, Ruth Kreyer, Chris Majkrzak, Lisa Lewis, and new board member, Tory Anderson, assists school social workers and administration staff to confidentially provide support. 100% of funds raised at the annual fund raiser will directly benefit the children in need!

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 After lunch, local philanthropist, Patty Hunt was presented with Amity’s Outstanding Citizen Award. Patty and her husband, Ken, assist many Oak Park/River Forest area programs with their support. In 2017, the couple received the area’s Outstanding Philanthropist Award for helping with the Collaboration for Early Childhood Education program. They both have served on many charitable boards - including Oak Park’s Hephzibah Children’s Association and the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation, and have made generous donations to universities, cultural groups, and the local Historical Society. A successful paddle raise followed with guests generously making contributions ranging from $100 to $10,000. 

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The excitement in the room continued as DJ Scott Detrick from Sound Differential turned up the music volume and Kathy Rezny from York Furrier took over the microphone to provide commentary for the spring fashion extravaganza. Featuring a mix of organizational and professional models, local boutiques and designers – York Furrier, Inc., Equilibria, 16 Suitcases, Jayne, ReMix Student Designer – Chrisy Michaelsen, and Chicago designer, Borris Powell, showcased current trends and styles. “Thank You!” organizational models Marcia Preston, Sarah Partin, Jamie Sloan, Lisa Lewis, Bethany Alexander, Rachel Dardis, Tory Anderson, Ginger Riessen, Honoree Patty Hunt, Vanessa Druckman, Renee Raines, and Amity President, Myra Price.  Professional models included: Tanya Hill, Elizabeth McNally, Eliana Mockler, Kayla Czapiewski and new Mom, Caroline Foreman. Also “Thanks!” to behind-the-scenes dresser, Tina McNally and guard, Demetrios Bruce.

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With the help of Amity guests - (Kudos to York Furrier’s two tables of guests for their generous paddle raises!), the boutique vendors - (LOVE the floral designs by Angela Casaccio Designs), and the silent auction donors - (York Furrier donated a fabulous accessory package with a colorful fur scarf, red leather mink trimmed gloves, and a fur purse charm/key chain!) - the event raised a record $60,000 plus for Amity School Children’s Aid.

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Be sure to follow @yorkfur on Instagram for more event and runway fashion photos. Visit YorkFur.com for to learn more about the YF Collection and Services - Storage, Cleaning, Repairs, Alterations, Restyling and Upcycling vintage or family heirloom Furs and Fine Outerwear. And, make a donation to Amity on the NEW website www.amityoprf.org.