Mrs. Illinois guest at Downtown group gala

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin will welcome Mrs. Illinois America 2010 Amy Gregorio of Northfield as its special guest emcee for the 2010 DNA Awards Gala.

Gregorio was crowned Mrs. Illinois America this past July. She recently returned from Tuscon, Ariz. where she competed at the 2010 Mrs. America Pageant and finished second runner-up.

An Emmy-nominated TV journalist, professionally known as "AJ Sterling," her stories have appeared on CBS, CNN and Fox while working in Nashville, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Covering Super Bowls, riots and flying with the Red Barons have been good practice for life as a mom. She and her husband, John, have a 4½-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. She is also a court-appointed child advocate for abused and neglected children through CASA and involved with other child-centered organizations.

The 2010 Downtown Neighborhood Association Awards Gala is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Grand Victoria Casino ballroom, 250 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin. Individual tickets are $60 each ($50 for current DNA members) and sponsored tables of eight are $600 each ($500 for current DNA members). It is sponsored by TranSystems, JCT Services Inc. and Landmark Contractors Inc.

Deadline to reserve seats and tables is Friday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. Call the DNA office at (847) 488-1456 to RSVP or visit DowntownElgin.com to purchase tickets online.