Lombard Historical Society still raising money to pay off addition
An expansion to the Carriage House at the Victorian Cottage Museum in Lombard is complete, but the village's historical society is still working to raise money to pay off a loan that was used to pay for the work two years ago.
On Sunday, April 27, the Lombard Historical Society and The Ladies Room Consignment Boutique is hosting "Dynasty of Fashion: A Fashion Show Fundraiser" from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln St. in Lombard. All proceeds will benefit the $202,000 expansion of the Carriage House, which is behind the Victorian Cottage at 23 W. Maple St.
In 2012, the Carriage House's size was doubled, creating additional space for collection storage and research archives, along with an expanded exhibit downstairs and a bigger programming area, said Natalie Gacek, executive director of the Lombard Historical Society.
Part of the project was funded by a $70,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. But it was a reimbursement grant, which meant funds would only be given to the society once work was completed, Gacek said.
To get the project up and running, the historical society borrowed the full $202,000 from the village, Gacek said. The loan required that the society pay back the money by the end of 2014.
About $104,000 has been paid back, including the $70,000 that was handed over to the society when it finished the project in November 2012, Gacek said.
Of the near $99,000 the society still owes, about $64,000 has been raised through fundraisers and the society's capital campaign, she added.
"It's been an ongoing process," she said. "Hopefully we'll be able to finish this up very soon."
Some of the society's other fundraisers in the past year have included a harvest festival with the Prairie Food Co-op, a zombie festival for kids last fall and a raffle that takes place during the society's annual Civil War encampment.
Gacek said the society also hopes to raise money at this year's 175th anniversary celebration of the Peck Homestead this August.
Tickets for the fashion show, which is taking place for a second year, are $30 each and include a light luncheon. Besides a catwalk featuring about two dozen 80s-inspired outfits, the event will also feature 1980s trivia, raffles and a "best dressed" contest.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed 80s style from head-to-toe, including hair, makeup and clothes. The best dressed guest will win a makeover from the Ladies Room, which includes three looks, hair and makeup, along with a photo shoot with a professional photographer.
"It's going to be just a really fun afternoon," Gacek said.