Service Club of Chicago's fashionable fundraiser ends on a patriotic note

The Service Club of Chicago, one of the city’s oldest charitable organizations, hosted its annual “Day on the Terrace” fashion show and luncheon at the Peninsula Chicago on August 7. This year's theme featured a butterfly, symbolizing 133 years of change.

The event, that welcomed over 300 guests along with returning veteran co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sharyl Mackey, offered a ‘first look’ at fall fashion.

Participating stores this year included: alice + Olivia, Anne Fontaine, Contessa Bottega, Elda de la Rosa Couture, Lauren Lein Ltd., MaxMara, Mira Couture, Peter Millar, St. John Boutique, SYLWIA, and York Furriers. A dazzling finale presentation featured models wearing designs from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, escorted by dashing members of the U.S Marines Corps. The crowd stood and applauded in a patriotic salute when they mounted the stage as the “Marines Hymn” played them on.

The runway show was produced by ZZAZZ Productions with Tracey Tarantino DiBuono. DJ Akib supplied the background music for both the fashion show and after-party.

Media personalities included Micah Materre, D.C. Crenshaw (with wife Alayna), Ryan Baker (with wife Jessa), Lou Canellis, Leah Chavie, Michael Kutza, Laura Schwartz, Whitney Reynolds, Emily Wahls, Dawn Hasbrouck, and ‘Candid’ Candace Jordan. Our own Ashlea Hearn, Chicago Star Associate Editor, made her debut on the runway as well, wearing St. John.

Luncheon guests left with loaded goodie bags that included makeup and colognes donated by supporter Claudio Riaz, a gift certificate for services from the Paul Rehder Salon, Divine Biscotti (donated by Debi Catenacci), Albanese Candy (donated butterfly gummies to match the event's theme), splits of champagne, and so much more! Before the event, models had a "glam-over" from the Charles Ifergan Salon (Phillippe Ifergan)

The after-party included light bites, cocktails, and music by Akib on the Shanghai Terrace.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the "Day on the Terrace" fashion show held a deeper purpose: to raise funds for a charitable cause close to the hearts of both the organizers and attendees. The SC's mission is to assist, improve and expand on nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients are in social service, cultural, educational, and civic fields.

The event fostered a sense of camaraderie, reminding everyone present that, when united for a common cause, they could bring about tangible change. In a seamless blending of haute couture and charity, "Day on the Terrace" illuminated a path forward, where fashion and compassion walk hand in hand.

Event sponsors included Diamond Sponsors: 2X2 Health Private Nursing, Sherry Abrahams, Paula Borg and Kristine Kinder, Lauren Brynjelsen and Darby Hills, Cheryl Coleman and Susan Gohl, Marilyn Hayden, Sharyl Mackey and Patty Marx, and Sherrill Bodine. Gold Sponsors: Melissa Babcock, Kathy Cook and Leslie Logsdon; Mary Lasky and Kate Prange; and Lodge Management Group (Lyn McKeaney). Silver Sponsors: Jean and Andy Antoniou; Tracey DiBuono; Gene & Georgetti, Weller Dental and Nina Mariano.

(Check the website for more Service Club events and info: theServiceClubofChicago.org) (Photos by John Reilly Photography and Candace Jordan)