Auxiliary's fashion show celebrates 50 years

Gold was the prevailing color at the Northwest Community Fashion Show, on Friday, and rightly so.

Nearly 600 guests attended the bash. They joined hospital president and chief executive officer, Bruce Crowther, in raising their glasses in a champagne toast to celebrate the event's 50th anniversary.

Members of the hospital's auxiliary originated the concept back in 1958, of gathering women together for a luncheon and fashion show, even before the hospital opened.

Apparently, it has stood the test of time.

Co-chairperson Jayne Wellman of Inverness, said the first show raised $2,300, while the auxiliary members themselves made a $25,000 pledge to advance the opening of the community hospital.

Fast forward 50 years, and organizers last week hoped to raise $100,000 from the luncheon, silent auction and style show. Over the course of its history, the fashion show has raised $2.5 million for hospital enhancements, they said.

"For 50 years, the ladies of the community have really supported the hospital, and all of its endeavors," said Dottie Hardy, co-chairperson of Arlington Heights. "This is truly a community event."

Friday's proceeds were earmarked to expand services for children with cancer. Specifically, hospital officials plan to provide new outpatient infusion services, including chemotherapy treatments, on the hospital's main campus in Arlington Heights.

During the luncheon, 16 of the former fashion show chairwomen were introduced, dating back to Ina Lee, who ran the event in 1962.

After lunch, guests sat back to watch the professionally choreographed fashion show, produced by Zzazz Productions, that showcased Chicago area designers. The scenes opened with designs by Starr Couture of Barrington, and built to feature the latest ensembles from hot Chicago designer, Elda de la Rosa.

"We love to do this show,"said Tracey Tarantino, show producer. "We save our premium collections from our Chicago designers just for this event."

Trends this year ranged from the pencil skirt, paired with a variety of tops, as well as snakeskin and crocodile influences, portrait collars, and ruffled trim on blouses.