Fashion show raises money to send Choral-Aires to competition
The Choral-Aires Chorus presents its 28th annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, "Let the Good Times Roll," next month as a fundraiser to help offset the costs of competing this fall in an international choral championship.
Cocktails and raffles begin at 11 a.m., with the luncheon, performance by the Choral-Aires, and fashion show beginning at noon Saturday, March 7, at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace.
Winners of the 2014 Midwest Region 3 championship, the Choral-Aires will compete in Las Vegas this October at the Sweet Adelines International Competition for the title of International Champion. In 2013, the chorus earned an eighth-place medal and members hope to improve on that finish this year.
"Our goal is to finish in the top five," said Bonnie Fedyski, who codirects the chorus with her sister, Amy Brinkman.
"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to show off some of our new numbers along with a couple of familiar favorites," Brinkman added.
"Every year, this is our largest fundraiser, with an average attendance of over 600 people," fashion show chairwoman Vicky Sindelar said.
The funds are used to hire coaches, offset costuming and travel costs and support an "angel fund" used to pay dues for members experiencing financial difficulties.
"We never want a member to feel as though she has to give up singing just because of hard financial times," Sindelar said. "The chorus is such an important support network, more important than ever when life gets challenging."
The fashion show is presented by Zzazz Productions, a nationally recognized production company that combines choreography, fashion production, and live performances with top designers in both the fashion and costuming fields.
Stores represented at the show include Neiman Marcus, Pendleton, White House/Black Market and York Furrier. In addition to the professional models from Zzazz, the children and grandchildren of chorus members will model the latest in children's attire.
A raffle features more than $5,000 in grand prizes, including a one-week stay in a Siesta Key home, a set of Cuisinart cookware, an iPad, family photo shoot, or pen-and-ink/pastel rendering of the winner's home.
In addition, attendees can choose from many themed raffle baskets for book lovers, wine lovers, gardeners, movie lovers and interests of all types.
"Since we're competing in Las Vegas in October, 'Let the Good Times Roll' seemed like the perfect way to kick off the next several months of preparation and hard work in a fun way," Sindelar said. "We hope everyone will enjoy the show."
The Choral-Aires Chorus is an a cappella barbershop chorus of more than 100 women of all ages with diverse backgrounds, careers and interests. Based in Elmhurst, the group has a shared love of music, performance and friendship.
Those interested in the group may join a rehearsal any Monday at 7 p.m. in the Recreation Center of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kenilworth Avenue at St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
If you go
What: "Let the Good Times Roll" Fashion Show and Luncheon
Why: Proceeds support the Choral-Aires women's barbershop chorus
When: Cocktails and raffles begin at 11 a.m., with luncheon and performances at noon Saturday, March 7
Where: Drury Lane Theater, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Cost: $45
Info: choral-aires.com