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Shoppers give back to District 220
Allison Laumann (from left) and Lauren and Darby Hills, all of Barrington | Photo by Laura Pavin~Sun Times Media
The take
The event raised $6,400 for Blessings in a Backpack.
Article Extras
Updated: August 30, 2012 12:48PM
More than 80 people rushed to Bob and Nina Mariano’s Inverness home after work for their sixth annual Shopping and Sushi event on Thursday, Aug. 16.
The event featured an assortment of Swarovski-encrusted fashion collars and high-end jewelry among wine and fresh seafood.
Twenty percent of the event’s total profits went toward Barrington Children’s Charities, which was in turn donated to the national Blessings in a Backpack program.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed delectable sushi from family-owned Mariano’s Fresh Market as they browsed the selection laid out by four local vendors: Chicago designer Azeeza Desai Khan, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Gianna M. designs and Samantha Goldberg.
“We’re just a strong group of women and friends from Barrington and Inverness that like to get together, but usually we want to do it for a cause,” Mariano said.
Barrington Children’s Charities Founder Darby Hills was grateful that her charity was chosen as this year’s beneficiary. “Bob and Nina Mariano were so generous to host this special event at their lovely home. They really wanted to help our charity. And what better way to do so than an evening with friends?” Hills said. “Proceeds will help children in need from the Barrington Community Unit District 220 area through our Blessings in a Backpack food donation program.”
Hills founded Barrington Children’s Charities in 2010 to raise awareness about children’s issues and help those struggling locally. This past spring, she dispersed more than $50,000 in grants to Blessings in a Backpack, Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Camp Kesem Northwestern, Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble and Barrington Area Special Voices.
Thursday night’s shopping extravaganza ultimately raised $6,400 for Blessings in a Backpack.~.
