Putting a new twist on vintage to help a friend in need

A handful of volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the " Vintage Remix: A Fundraiser for Patricia Keeney," which will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin.

Last month, members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and others stepped in to run Keeney's Sporting Goods and PK's Antiques after owner Patricia Keeney was hospitalized with cancer.

Volunteers have kept the store open and the day-to-day bills paid, but Keeney does not have health insurance and those expenses continue to mount. Proceeds from Vintage Remix will help cover expenses.

Vintage fashions from PK's Antiques will be featured at the event, modeled by many of Elgin's leading ladies, including Karen Schock, Michelle Stegall, Kerry Kelly and daughters Abby and Chloe Steffen, CourierNews columnist Betty Brown, WRMN radio personality Laura Dion Jones and city council candidates Anna Moeller and Tish Powell.

Other models include sisters Blythe and Lilith Meyer, Toya Randall, Elisabeth McCoy, Tonya Hudson, Rose Diaz, Cherie Murphy, Daily Herald reporter Lenore Adkins, Laurie Faith Aiello and daughter Ali, Heaven Lee, Olivia Munson, Rise Jones, Cynthia Hernandez, Sigi Psimenos and BocaJump columnist Deirdre Higgins White.

According to Ruth Munson who is helping to coordinate the fundraiser, "PK Antiques, in the lower level of Keeney's Sporting Goods, had treasures waiting to be uncovered and with the help of experts, we found them."

Jackets by Armani and Escada are just two of the finds.

There's even a historically significant late-1940s Elgin-made Edith Krueger woman's suit, (word has it that the Elgin Historic Society Museum would like to acquire it). All can be seen at the fashion show on Saturday and will be available for purchase (if not sold prior to the event).

The vintage pieces were carefully selected by Elgin's own Acme Design Inc. and reflect fashion history from 1930 through the 1980s.

While some of the fashions will accurately portray a picture in time - others will take on a more modern flair with assistance from Aubry Bozzano, Miss Illinois International 2011, who will serve as stylist and show coordinator.

Tonya Hudson, executive director of the DNA, believes there will be something for everyone.

"Whether you love to uncover a great find or find a great bargain, are passionate about vintage or just want to add that unique one-of-a-kind piece to enhance your wardrobe, or you simply want to have a lovely time and help Patricia Keeney, Vintage Remix is the place to be on Dec. 11."

The organizers have thought of everything and will have a mini-boutique setup at the fashion show so attendees can buy unique gifts for the holidays.

They will also have an opportunity to bid on hats and other vintage accessories at a live auction. All proceeds of the event will go to the Patricia Keeney Fund.

Ticket are $20 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Checks should be made payable to the Patricia Keeney Fund and mailed c/o DNA, 2 Douglas Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Please indicate "fashion show" in the memo section of your check.

For information about the fashion show or to make a reservation or donation, call (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ruth@bocajump.com.

Keeney's Sporting Goods and PK's Antiques are located at 19 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin.