Amity School Children’s Aid Event Stylishly Pairs Fashion & Philanthropy

The annual Amity School Children’s Aid FUNdraiser was held at the beautiful Oak Park Country Club on Tuesday, May 23rd.  Almost 150 guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, boutique shopping, and bidding on an array of silent auction items, all before heading into the dining room for the main event. Once settled into their seats, guests were treated to a sit-down luncheon, a welcome by Amity President, Myra Price, the presentation of the Amity Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award to, Barbara Best, followed by the Paddle Raise to generate needed funds to assist Oak Park and River Forest school children. F.Y.I. York Furrier donated a YF Collection cashmere ruffled topper paired with a long, flowy scarf for the gift basket/package filled silent auction. The afternoon concluded with a lively presentation of gorgeous runway fashions by local boutiques: 16 Suitcases, JAYNE, Ellie Day Activewear, Borris Powell Designs, and an array of Furs, Fine Outerwear and Accessories from York Furrier! Scroll down to enjoy a snippet of the day’s highlights. 

Photography Credit: Ali Ibrahim

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Favorite Styles from the Amity Runway:

16 Suitcases – DRESSES in an array of vivid colors, bold patterns, and mini to maxi lengths.

JAYNE – Pretty tops that pair with comfy casual pants for a put-together warm weather look.

Ellie Day Activewear – Perfect separates that transition from your golf or tennis game to outdoor patio dining.

Borris Powell Designs – Sequins, flowers, and PINK blazers paired with flirty tulle skirts.

York Furrier – Seasonal Style for ANY kind of CHICagoland Weather . . . colorful rainwear to brighten a grey day; a mink fur vest to layer over t’s or a cami; a luxe leather blazer that pairs with denim or a dress; fine outerwear in cashmere, superfine wool, or alpaca; and the toss on and go with anything cashmere poncho.

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Kudos to Amity Board Members:

Myra Price, Amy Balu, Jane Filek, Ruth Kreyer, Lisa Lewis and Chris Majkrzak.

Thanks to the Amity Models:

Professionals - Tanya Hill, Eliana Mockler and Kayla Czapiewski.

VIP’s – Deb Abrahamson, Bethany Alexander, Tory Anderson, Amber Kardosh, Lisa Lewis, Magarita Lopez, Emma Gaddipati, Myra Price, Renee Raines, Jenna Ronan, Jamie Sloan and Joyce St. Clair.

Loved the Vendors:

Art of Rachel J., Borris Powell Designs, Dina’s Home, Ellie Day Activewear, Foreverblooms 57 by Angela Casaccio, and Jack & Jill.

Other Awesome People to Thank:

PR – Amy McFarlane Balu

DJ – Scott Detrick of Sound Differential

Photographer – Ali Ibrahim

Model Coordinator – Tory Anderson

Digital Creator – Erica Bennett

Show Commentator – Kathy Rezny, York Furrier

Auction Display Merchandiser – Rosette Stavrou

Behind-the-Scenes Support – Chris Majkrzak and Sue McFarland

Fashion Purveyors – Michelle Vanderlaan (16 Suitcases), Erin Ban Buskirk (Jayne Boutique in Oak Park), Ellie Day Spoerer (Ellie Day Activewear), Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs), and, of course, Kathy Rezny (York Furrier).

York Furrier Guests included:

Candace Jordan (Candid Candace Blog & Podcast, associate publisher at Chicago Star Media), Barb Altstadt, Dr. Laura Holmes, Julia Musil, Eleny Lake, Carol Bilder (Artist and philanthropist), Rachel Gregersen (Owner of Beyond Shades), Donna Krilich, Suze Solari (Image Consultant & Personal Stylist), Shelia Vojack, Borris Powell (Designer), Susan Beckner, Debi Serritella, Mary Wallace, Christine Katz, Patti Merino, Roberta Jenero (Author and Registered Dietitian),  Maureen Kevin, and Laurie Milling.

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Founded in 1924, Amity School Children’s Aid is dedicated to helping public school children in the Oak Park/River Forest area by confidentially providing essential needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, shoes, backpacks, or winter coats. The children are not on any public aid, however, due to medical issues, or perhaps reduced wages, the family finds itself unable to provide these needed items. School nurses, social workers and school principals reach-out to Amity when a need arises, and the completely volunteer board and members, use their donated funds to assist the student in acquiring what they need to succeed.  Call 708-445-4040 for more information, or, better yet, become an Amity VOLUNTEER!!! 

To Donate:

Amity is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Send your check made payable to:  Amity School Children’s Aid

PO Box 5603

River Forest, IL 60305 

Check-out @yorkfur on Instagram for additional Amity event highlights.