Women’s Network of LSSI to host fashion show for literacy program

The Women’s Network of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois will host its 29th annual Forget-Me-Not Brunch and Fashion Show Saturday, May 11, at The Stonegate Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates.

The Women’s Network is a group of dedicated individuals who work to support and promote LSSI programs throughout the state to help people in need.

For the ninth year, proceeds from the fashion show will benefit Bonding with Books, a family literacy program at LSSI’s five Head Start sites in Humboldt Park, North Austin, Rogers Park, Uptown and West Englewood.

From October to May, the program provides one free book a month for approximately 220 preschool children, and during that month, classroom activities are linked to the theme of the book.

“Bonding with Books is a dynamic program that makes an enormous contribution to early literacy,” says Marcia Welfen, senior associate executive director of LSSI’s Children’s Community Services.

“It provides an excellent way for our Head Start students to become involved with reading now, which is so important to their success in school later. And because it encourages parents and children to read together, it strengthens their relationship.”

“We are truly grateful to The Women’s Network for their support of Bonding with Books,” adds Maryann Aimone, LSSI’s vice president of advancement. “This innovative literacy program for our Head Start children is only made possible through funds raised by this event.”

The fashion show will feature clothing from local designers, department stores and specialty shops. Attendees at the event will also have an opportunity to shop at special gift boutiques that feature designer and handcrafted accessories and jewelry. There will also be a raffle for prizes, including a Kindle with Vera Bradley cover, original oil painting and an American Girl Doll package.

Tickets for the event cost $75 for adults and $40 for children ages 5 to 12, and are available by advance reservation only. To order tickets or for more information about The Women’s Network, contact Ed Newton at (847) 635-4656 or Edward.Newton@LSSI.org.

Founded in October 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is a statewide, nonprofit, social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information about the agency, visit www.LSSI.org and LSSI’s Facebook page.

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