Wedding gowns a steal at Project Hope benefit
As someone who's currently going through the whole wedding planning experience, I fully understand the importance of trying to keep costs down.
Soon-to-be brides will have a chance to find that perfect dress -- and at a fraction of the original cost -- during a special fundraiser Saturday.
House of Hope Resale in Barrington is hosting its 3rd annual Bridal Faire benefiting Project Hope, which offers a large selection of new and designer sample wedding gowns in all sizes and styles for just $50 each.
Caryn Habley, House of Hope's store manager, said the gowns, which usually sell for thousands of dollars, are donated by bridal salons and boutiques from throughout the area.
Habley recommends getting there early, since in the past shoppers have been known to start lining up outside well before the store even opens.
For brides who find it difficult to narrow down their choices, a professional seamstress will be on hand for style consultations and fittings.
All proceeds go to Project Hope, which provides emergency assistance to area families in crisis.
The Bridal Faire is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at House of Hope, 200 N. Hough St., just north Main Street in downtown Barrington.
The event coincides with the charity shop's annual March Madness Sale, a 50-percent-off storewide sale running through Saturday.
The sale discounts everything in the store, including furniture, and concludes with a special $3-per-bag sale on clothing, toys and books from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call (847) 756-4673.
Funny fundraiser: Members of a Barrington choir are getting tuned up for their performance this summer at the 2008 Olympic games in China.
The choir, called the Barrington Village Singers, is made up of about 75 Barrington High students, alumni and some adults from the community.
To help raise money for the trip, the choir is holding a fundraiser tonight featuring the Northwestern University Comedy Troupe.
The comedy group will perform at 8 p.m. in Barrington's Richard C. Johnson Auditorium, 616 W. Main St.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students and senior citizens and include a Chinese buffet between 6:30 and 8 p.m. in cafeteria.
Tickets for just the performance are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
The Barrington Village Singers will be part of a larger, 350-member choir traveling to China to perform in the Olympics' Fine Arts Festival. Also participating are members of Palatine's Harper College choir.
For more information on Friday's fundraiser, call (847) 842-3235.