Walking and Talking

This morning I was part of a walk in Libertyville for breast cancer through the American Cancer Association. I, along with about 40 others, were part of the team, "Walking For the Girls." There were well over a thousand of us who walked five miles and raised more than a hundred-thousand dollars!! A shout out to Maureen Quaid. She has done both the Komen and Avon walks for more than a decade and has raised well over a 200-thousand dollars. She was the captain and organizer for our team and as a 4-year breast cancer survivor, she is always an inspiration with such positive energy.
1)Team "Walking for the Girls."
2)Maureen and Jill
3)Some of us on the journey

Falling Into Fashion

Today I found myself walking a very long runway with T's at both ends in an enormous room filled with hundreds of women...AND with some very tall and very slender women who really know how to strut their stuff. They were so kind in giving me tips on how to work it, or attmept to. We were in Lombard at The Carlisle for an afternoon of fall fashion and fundraising through the Holy Apostles Philoptochos which exemplifies the true spirit of philanthropy. The annual benefit helps the degenerative neurological disorder called Batten Disease which affects children and young adults. It reminds me of a darling little girl in Indianapolis named Emily who lived such a beautiful and impactful life with Batten. Her parents have done everything they can to combat the disease and gave her every shot of living her life to the fullest. I had the chance to see her on stage as the ballerina she wanted to become someday. Thank you to Julie and Marcie for being there and Happy Birthday Marcie!

Thank you to Tracey Tarantino who organizes some of the biggest fashion shows around the Chicago area. She has also been a great friend of the Mrs. Illinois America family!

Celebrating Years of Hard Work in Elgin

My husband and I spent the evening in Elgin at the Grand Victoria Casino. I was honored to emcee a night which celebrated the hard work of people and businesses that are a part of revitalizing Elgin's downtown neighborhood. You always hear about the spirit of communities, but rarely do you have the chance to experience it. The people of Elgin really do support their city and work diligently to keep Elgin progressing. Elgin has recently been in the midst of a rebirth and with the grants and the efforts of Elgin residents and businesses, it is coming alive again. The DNA President Tom Brockner and his wife were lovely as was the DNA Executive Director Tonya Hudson. And of course I must give a huge thank you to Promotions Coordinator, Jason Pawlowski, for inviting me to be a part of the 1940's gala.
1)Jason Pawlowski and super cute cigarette girls who sold raffle tickets
2)talking with some of Elgin's finest
3)And the award goes to...

Surprise!!!

We flew to my parents' home in Arkansas as a surprise for my dad's 65th birthday. It was a great weekend spent with them and the kids had a great time exploring the yard and house. I swear, Johnny and Ali have never slept so well and I am sure Grandma Nana and Papa (and Duffy the dog) have never slept so well after we had gone. Happy Birthday Dad. We miss you all!

Shopping with Purpose

Today we spent time at Lord and Taylor in Oakbrook for a day of FUN-raising. Shoppers were armed with special coupon books and there were also some really great sales offered to those who came to cash in on the day of deals. At the end of the day,wracking up all those charges paid off for local charities. Julie and Marcie Aceto were with me and Joe even stopped by for a bit. Julie is like the ambassador there as she knows just about everyone! After meeting some really great people, we headed off for an early dinner together.

Fall Has Arrived

As the leaves fall, there is alot of cleaning out the closets here. Seems as if my children were busy playing and growing this summer as nothing fits. So, seven bags of clothes later, we were ready to make a trip to the YWCA and their shelter for women and children. It was also time to go find Ali her first ballet wear. The store was directly under the apartment where my husband once lived as a single bachelor fresh from law school! How strange to think years later, his baby girl would be back there getting ready for dance class.

An Invite for a Great Night

Friday, October 01, 2010
Deadline to RSVP for 2010 DNA Awards Gala Extended

Last call!

If you have not yet submitted your RSVP for the 2010 Downtown Neighborhood Association Awards Gala - Presented by TranSystems, JCT Services, Inc. and Landmark Contractors, Inc., please do so now! Deadline to submit your RSVP or remit payment has been extended to Friday, October 8.

Individual tickets are $60 each ($50 for current DNA members) and sponsored tables of 8 are $600 each ($500 for current DNA members).

CLICK HERE TO RSVP > > >

It's going to be the Cat's Meow!

Please join us for a hotsy-totsy night on the town at the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Awards Gala on Thursday, October 14 from 6-9 PM at the Grand Victoria Casino at 250 S. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin.

In typical DNA fashion, we will be celebrating in style with a 1940's-themed night of fun, festivities and fundraising. There will be a live jazz band, ballroom dancers, cocktail dresses (and cocktails), black ties, awards, accolades, an art gallery, and after-parties in downtown. Cocktail dresses and tuxedos are encouraged, and the best-dressed 1940's guy and gal will be rewarded.

Speaking of style, the DNA is also pleased to announce that our Special Guest Emcee for the Gala is Mrs. Illinois America 2010 Amy Gregorio.




Amy was crowned Mrs. Illinois America this past July. She recently returned from Tuscon, Arizona where she competed at the 2010 Mrs. America Pageant and finished 2nd runner up.

An Emmy nominated TV journalist, professionally known as “AJ Sterling”, she was voted ”Best Reporter,” by the Associated Press. Her stories have appeared on CBS, CNN, and Fox while working in Nashville, Indianapolis and Chicago. She has been honored to meet four US Presidents and a multitude of other leaders while reporting on many historical events.

Covering Super Bowls, riots and flying with the Red Barons have been good practice for life as a mom. She and her husband, John, have a 4 1/2 year old son and a 2-year-old daughter and live in Northfield with their cat Mac. When not running after the kids, she runs for charity and climbs Chicago ’s tallest buildings. Amy is also a court appointed child advocate for abused and neglected children through CASA and involved with other child-centered organizations