Get ready for a fiesta at agency's fundraiser

It's being promoted as a night of magic.

Designed to benefit charity and emulate a Mexican fiesta, organizers hope to make this an entertaining event that will change lives.

Pillars, a Chicago area not-for-profit social service organization, is selling tickets for its Magia de Mexico (Magic of Mexico) dinner and fundraiser, which will be Jan. 26 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Last year, more than 600 people attended the event and the organization raised roughly $320,000.

"We had no idea what to expect," said Lynda Nadkarni, volunteer event chairwoman. "We thought $200,000 would be a dream."

Pillars formed in 2006 when Pillars Community Services merged with Community Care Options. Though each group had its own annual fundraisers, last year's event was their first together, and it turned out to be a success, Nadkarni said.

The organization serves more than 10,000 individuals and families in 38 area communities. It offers mental health and social services programs, including transitional housing, crisis services, counseling, career assistance, a domestic violence shelter and substance abuse counseling.

Last year, the event focused on a Roaring '20s theme. This year, organizers decided to take the theme south of the border. Many of its clientele are Hispanic and the organization offers most of its programs in Spanish, as well as English.

"We wanted to honor that demographic since we've been supporting them for so long," Pillars spokeswoman Amy Beros said.

Magia de Mexico will feature dinner with casino-style gaming, dancing, open bar and a performance by the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Foods will have a Hispanic flare -- salsa, steak, fish, Mexican chocolate and margaritas.

Dinner will be followed by a live auction and raffles. Hundreds of businesses have made donations. Live auction items will include a number of vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico and to various top spots in the United States.

A raffle and silent auction will include various gift certificates from Chicago area businesses, including family fun packages for sports events, museums, theme parks and dinner theater packages.

If you go

What: Magia de Mexico dinner and fundraiser

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Jan. 26

Where: Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

Cost: $150 per person, includes dinner and entertainment

Details: (708) 698-5500, ext. 205