Montini Catholic's fashion show benefits San Miguel Scholarship Fund
The word of the day was "Believe" Sunday, Dec. 2, when Montini Catholic parents, friends and fashionistas kicked off the Christmas season at their 36th annual fashion show.
The "Polar Express"-themed event was held at the Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel.
"This event allows us the opportunity to make the dream of a Catholic education come true for deserving students," said Principal Emeritus Maryann O'Neill.
The much anticipated fashion extravaganza is a Montini tradition featuring trendy and casual apparel, formal wear, furs and sparkling evening gowns, all modeled by Montini juniors, seniors and alumni and all for a good cause - to benefit the Lasallian high school's San Miguel Fund which provides financial assistance to Montini Catholic families finding themselves experiencing hardships, such as serious illness, death or severe financial difficulties.
The fund provides students with an opportunity for a Catholic education that they may not otherwise be able to afford.
"Montini's mission for the fashion show mirrors that of our founder, St. John Baptist de LaSalle," said O'Neill. "He was a man of great compassion and foresight who 'believed' that all children were entitled to an exceptional education. This event helps us to achieve this goal."
The festive show was chaired by Montini Catholic parent Debbie Isoda and emceed by NBC's Alison Rosati, who also celebrated her senior daughter's final year on the Montini runway. It featured a luncheon, preshow vendor boutique and raffle opportunities before the students and alumni took to the stage.
This year's show featured fashions from Athleta (Oak Brook), London Sky (Naperville), Orvis (Lombard), Apricot Lane (Bolingbrook), J. Crew (Naperville), Altar'd Sate (Oak Brook), Southern Tide (Naperville), Under Armour, Bangle Boutique (Downers Grove), York Furrier (Elmhurst), Matilda Jame (Naperville), Peaches (Chicago) and Black Tie Formalwear (Glen Ellyn).
Paul Mitchell the School in Lombard donated their time and talent by preparing the young ladies' hair and makeup for their big debut onstage.
"I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to all our attendees for supporting our Annual Fashion Show, as well as committee chairs, members and volunteers" said president Jim Segredo, who also modeled in the show alongside Principal Kevin Beirne and Principal Emeritus Maryann O'Neill. "This event allows us to come together as a school community and celebrate the Christmas season together, while supporting a great cause."
"Thank you to you and your students for a wonderful afternoon of FUN-raising," Isoda said after the event. "Our production was wonderful and it was inspiring to see the whole Montini family come together for this special cause!"