Style show to benefit Valley Sheltered Workshop
My first exposure to the Batavia Woman's Club was a style show. I was a little kid when I was asked to sing at their style show in the gymnasium at the old high school.
I thought it was really fun because I got to wear all sorts of different outfits, including a wedding dress that June Hoyt made for me. I sang the song "Que Sera Sera" and introduced each segment of the show with a verse of the song.
Throughout the years, the Batavia Woman's Club has held various fundraisers to support local charities. They have sent countless kids to music camp, promoted Arbor Day and worked with the historical society on promoting an 1890s musicale at the Riverwalk.
Now the club is returning to one of its first fundraisers, the style show, to benefit the Valley Sheltered Workshop.
The Valley Sheltered Workshop was created in 1966 to provide training and work opportunities for those who were mentally and physically disabled. With the support of the Rev. Gilbert Johnstone, the Baptist minister in town, the group was able to find space at 4 North River St. Bob Bina (Sr.), a retired executive, took over the duties of managing the workshop. The workshop moved to its present location in 1989 when the Kiwanis and the late Dick Ernzen spearheaded an effort to build a new building at 334 Main St.
"The Valley Sheltered Workshop does so much for so many," said Patti Condon, style show chair. "We wanted to help them so we asked them to give us a wish list of things that they needed. We found that the workers do their assembly using banquet tables and chairs. They really needed new work stations with seven stations for physically handicapped workers."
The cost of the work stations amounts to more than $100,000. The large amount doesn't deter the women of the club.
"Our members have been working hard on the style show," Condon said. "In addition to the money raised from the ticket sales, we plan to have a silent raffle and an auction for gift baskets."
Chairing the raffle and auction is Mary Lynn Ross. She has put together an amazing list of prizes. It includes trips, weekend getaways, spa packages, and my personal favorite -- a day with a chef from Charlie Trotter's restaurant in Chicago.
"We have over $6,000 in donations of merchandise from area businesses," said Ross. "There will be some amazing things to bid on."
There is a dental service package worth $800, custom draperies worth $750, an American Girl doll with a complete wardrobe made by member Peggy McManus. These are just a few of the items.
The style show takes place Nov. 10 at Eagle Brook Country Club. Fashions from the Fashion Walk in Geneva will be featured.
"We wanted to be able to show fashions for all women from the petite to the plus size woman," Condon said. "That's why we chose the Fashion Walk with their variety of shops."
Tickets are $35 and include a luncheon. There will be a cash bar at 11 a.m. with entertainment provided by harpist, Rachel Lesnick. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. with the fashion show following lunch. Tickets are available from club members. For information, send an e-mail to bwcfashion@comcast.net.
Why not plan to attend? It is sure to be a fun event and you might just walk away with a valuable prize while you are helping some people in our community who could really benefit from your support.