St. Isidore plans 'Denim and Diamonds' fundraiser

"Denim and Diamonds" is both the theme and the dress code for attendees at this year's St. Isidore School dinner dance auction Saturday, Feb. 25, at Belvedere Events and Banquets, 1170 W. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village.

The event, which runs from 5 p.m. to midnight, annually raises more than $60,000 and has generated more than $700,000 in the past 13 years in support of St. Isidore School in Bloomingdale.

"We rely heavily on the gala/auction dinner dance to accommodate operating needs, extras and upgrades that the annual operating budget cannot, so that we can keep tuition in check and a Catholic elementary education affordable for our local community," Principal Cyndi Collins said.

"This has been and will only be accomplished through the continued support of the amazing parents and generous supporters of St. Isidore."

"Denim and Diamonds" features a four-course gourmet dinner, unlimited bar and dessert bar, as well as live and silent auctions, a grand raffle and Fund-A-Cause. Tickets are $85.

New this year is a "Blingo Bundle" available at the door to the first 50 attendees. The package, $100, includes a wine-and-dine package, bingo tickets for a chance to win a diamond ring, and chances at Plinko, the popular prize game featured on "The Price Is Right." Wine-and-dine, bingo and Plinko chances also will be for sale separately.

"We are very excited about a lot of new and different aspects to our gala this year," said school board President Jennifer McFadden, the gala chairwoman. "We are making the dress more casual for this year's event, and have added a lot of new live and silent auction items. The Blingo Bundle package will be a new experience for everyone in attendance, our Fund-A-Cause this year targets a revitalization of our playground, and online bidding continues to allow alumni and friends of the school who cannot attend to support St. Isidore from anywhere in the world."

Attendees and others interested in the auction can bid by text, smartphone, tablet or computer at diamonds17.gesture.com.

Only 400 tickets will be sold for the grand raffle, which has a grand prize of $15,000. Other cash prizes are $1,500 and $500. Tickets cost $100.

To buy gala or raffle tickets through the school office, call McFadden at (630) 529-9323. For information, visit the school website, stisidoreparishschool.org.