Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
by Jennifer Saverino
The ‘Tis the Season to be Jazzy Fashion Show was a huge success, with a turnout of more than 675 guests at Drury Lane in Oak Brook on November 4, 2011, to support the Italian American Women’s Organization annual fundraiser. The tremendous support of our wonderful community of members, advertisers and guests once again benefited One Step At A Time, a camp operated by Children’s Oncology Services and dedicated to children facing cancer.
The evening fundraising event is a culmination not only of our members’ ideas and talents, but the perseverance of our small group of women to raise funds to assist children fighting cancer. A young person who is ill or in need deserve to have the best possible opportunity for a better quality of life. Our goal is to make this happen by fulfilling their hopes and dreams.
Our past accomplishments re-enforce our commitment to continue each year with our fundraising event. Our goal is to make happiness a moving force in the lives of all youngsters whose cause we champion. The end result is a most gratifying reward for our endeavors, as we enjoy knowing that we put a smile on a face and joy in a small heart. This would not be a reality without your help and support and, therefore, we never miss an opportunity to applaud the generosity of everyone who participates in this event.
Our evening began as excited shoppers arrived to purchase unique products from more than 30 boutiques offering wonderful merchandise intended for our guests to “ship ’til you drop.” In addition, so many spectacular items were donated for raffle prizes. A diamond necklace grand prize was donated by Alan Rocca Fine Jewelry of Oak Brook. Generous members donated travel prizes along with a fur hat, scarf and glove accessory from York Furrier of Elmhurst. The Chicago Bears donated a signed football and the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Sky donated other sports memorabilia. Keurig donated a wonderful coffee machine for the raffle. There were more than 25 Chinese raffle prizes, with unusual items for everyone to have a chance to win.
A highlight of the evening was entertainer Vito Zatto, whose Las Vegas-style show always makes for a memorable evening. After a wonderful dinner and a magnificent fashion show, which rivaled anything seen in New York, everyone agreed it was truly an amazing event!
We are pleased to say we succeeded again this year in reaching our fundraising goal due to a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication by our members, guests and generous donators. We are so very proud to say we were able to raise $20,000 to formally present to One Step At A Time in a commemorative presentation check. This money will go a long way toward ensuring that the camp continues providing children and their families with hope and strength through shared experiences during their personal challenge.
The One Step at a Time Project Foundation honored the Italian American Women’s Organization for their generous support over the years by placing a commemorative plaque above the newly installed fireplace at the Health and Wellness Bay in Fontana, Wis. The inscription on the plaque reads as follows:
June 6, 2004
Italian American Women’s Organization
Dedicates this Fireplace in Honor of the Significant Work
of the One Step at a Time Project Foundation.
The officers and members of the Italian American Women’s Organization are humbled and blessed to play a part in this journey.
If you would like more information on joining our organization or attending next fashion show, scheduled for Friday, November 2, 2012, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook, please contact IAWO President Jackie Mazza at 630-505-4317 or email IAWO.Illinois@gmail.com.
