Paris too expensive? Then try Lake Villa fashion show

If your plans for a vacation in Paris are getting pinched by the recession, you might consider a trip to Lake Villa.

In recognition of April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month," the Kids Hope United's 6th Annual Blue Ribbon Fashion Show happens on April 19 at the Lehmann Mansion, 485 Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa. This year's theme is "April in Paris."

The fundraiser will feature a Parisian market theme, bistro-inspired menu, wine tasting and fashion show.

"This is our major fundraising event of the year," said Kristy Cechini of Kids Hope. "We have a goal of raising $175,000."

Opened in 1948 as the Central Baptist Children's Home, it housed nearly 50 orphans on its 30-acre campus. The social service agency is marking the 60th anniversary of its Lake Villa campus. It now serves 15,000 children and families in four states.

Cechini said the event will also feature a silent auction that includes Jonas Brothers concert tickets, an electric guitar signed by Bon Jovi and dozens of other items.

Originally funded by a network of Baptist churches, CBCH operated as a traditional orphanage until the 1960s when the trend shifted away from large-group settings to the foster-care system. Experts in child social services believed children were better served in small family environments, rather than big institutions.

Today, Kids Hope United has more than 850 on the full-time staff working to provide prevention, intervention and community-based programs for vulnerable families.

The agency receives money from the State of Illinois and the federal government, but Cechini says funds raised at this event go to provide an extra layer of services not funded by the government.

Tickets are $75 and proceeds will benefit children and families in Kids Hope United programs. Tickets can be purchased online at kidshopeunited.org through April 15. For more information call (847) 245-6505.