Easterseals Central Illinois Celebrates Real Fashion via a Virtual Show

[July 21, 2020]   The Annual Easterseals Auxiliary Fashion Show will stream live on Fri., July 31, and guests can participate in this unprecedented opportunity free of charge with their smart phones, tablets or laptops. Join us as we celebrate this year’s fashion trends from local businesses including; Belle Mie, Beth Anne Rambler, Curvology, A Perfect Pear Boutique, Pink Sugar, RC Outfitters, Ann Taylor Loft, Blue Boutique.

This virtual event is the perfect opportunity for the community to come together during this time. Featuring fun & fashionable items from local vendors and businesses, an online silent auction will be available starting Wednesday, July 29 and remain open through the end of the Virtual Fashion Show.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders, Easterseals Central Illinois leapt into action, launching Telehealth therapy services in early April. These services are essential in ensuring that children continue to receive the support they need during the pandemic.

An event which started in 1955 as a small fashion show with just over 100 people in attendance, has grown into a fundraiser that raised $40,000 last year to benefit the children of Easterseals Central Illinois. The first fashion show fundraiser was held at the Peoria Country Club in 1955, when a small group of women recognized a need to help children with disabilities receive necessary therapy services. Today, Easterseals Ladies Auxiliary is made up of an outstanding group of women who are not only friends, but teammates in their efforts to raise funds for Easterseals.

Easterseals Central Illinois, now in its second century of serving the children and families of Central Illinois, provides exceptional services to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential.

In the past year, Easterseals Central Illinois has served over 7,000 children and families in the region by providing comprehensive pediatric therapy including ABA Therapy, Developmental Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and more. Other services include counseling, clinics, aquatic therapy programs, advocacy programs, family and community trainings and social skills groups.

“The Auxiliary Fashion Show has become a tradition in Central Illinois, and we are excited to be leading an amazing team of ladies in our efforts to raise funds for the kids at Easterseals,” said Helen Chadwick, a longstanding member of the Auxiliary. “Children and their families all need our help to reach their milestones and move past obstacles in their way.”

Over the past 65 years, the fashion show has raised more than $1,000,000 to benefit the children and families helped by Easterseals.

For more information on the Virtual Fashion Show, please contact Allison Vershaw at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Easterseals is a champion for abilities. For additional information on fundraising and other events that benefit Easterseals, please visit www.Eastersealsci.com 

[Megan Pedigo
Director of Marketing
Easterseals Central Illinois]