Fashion show to benefit women’s pregnancy counseling center
On Friday, Oct. 12, the Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD) will host its annual Fashion Show to support the programs and services it provides to women who are pregnant or parenting children under the age of 3. Based in Inverness, PHD has provided counseling, support services, and baby and maternity closet services to families in the community since 1971.
“This event is a great way for us to engage women in the community,” says Catherine E. Vincus, PHD’s executive director. “Many of our clients are limited financially and lack a support system to help them navigate through pregnancy and early childhood parenting. We hope the women who attend the event will relate to their struggles and help support our mission.”
The event, traditionally held on a Thursday evening, was changed to a Friday afternoon.
Liz Noe, director of major events at PHD, explains, “We wanted to switch things up. The evening fashion show is a lot of fun, but we felt there were lots of women who would appreciate a daytime event. The timing of show, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is also perfect for those who may have children in school and are looking for a few hours to get away and enjoy themselves.”
The fashion show will be held at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre in Hoffman Estates. Guests can mingle, shop PHD Resale Boutique, bid on silent auction items or take their chance at the variety of raffle baskets available. The runway show, produced by Diane Geiger from the company Fashionique, will feature the newest lines from Starr Couture, York Furriers and other fashionable stores and boutiques. PHD representatives are encouraging guests to take advantage of early holiday shopping.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors,” says Vincus. “Every dollar that comes in makes a difference in the life of one woman, one family in need. The money raised at all our events enables PHD to offer programs completely free of charge.”
Sponsors for 2012 include Holy Family Parish, Inverness.
The fashion show is one of four major fundraisers planned annually by PHD to fund counseling programs that include pregnancy and decision-making, pregnancy planning, grief and loss counseling, post adoption and post abortion therapy. Women also have access to a variety of community-based referrals, pregnancy testing, childbirth preparation, postpartum depression support and parenting education. PHD’s Motivate Prevention Programs reach over 6,000 students and parents each year on the topics of healthy sexuality, goal setting, relationship development, friendship and healthy communication.
In addition to the lineup of fall fashions, volunteers will model clothing and accessories from PHD’s own resale shop throughout the evening. Proceeds from the sales of PHD Resale Boutique, at 140 W. Northwest Highway, in Palatine, is another source of PHD funding.
“Resale stores are a great resource for vintage looks, brand name clothing, collectibles, you name it,” says Vincus. “We encourage people to shop at the boutique and see what marvelous bargains can be found while helping PHD.”
Stepping Out tickets cost $70 per person and include lunch. Raffle tickets are $25, or five for $100. Guests who arrive before 10:45 a.m. will also receive three free basket raffle tickets.
For information on the fashion show or to buy tickets, visit www.sphd.org or call (847) 359-4967, ext. 25.