Plans are well underway as the social committee from the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary busily prepares for the “Old Bags and Rags Fashion Show Bruncheon” to be held Sunday, September 20th at 12 noon in the Conference Center at the Medical Center on 333 N. Madison Street, Joliet.

The event, which will be open to the community, will include a hot buffet bruncheon and a fashion show featuring gently used and vintage evening gowns and cocktail dresses received through donations. In addition, a silent auction of gently used and vintage handbags will also be held, including an autographed bag from Leeza Gibbons, Hollywood personality and founder of Leeza’s Place at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, a community-based resource for caregivers and those suffering with memory disorders.

“It’s been so rewarding to work with the women who have provided our clothing and bag donations,” says Patti Kanellakes, co-chair of the Old Bags and Rags Fashion Show Bruncheon and four-year member of the Auxiliary. “Some of them have held on to these items for many years with a sense of nostalgia. When they learned about our plans to offer a unique fashion show experience during difficult economic times, many decided it was finally the right time to part with their items for this fun event benefitting a good cause.”

All monies raised during the event will be allocated toward the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary’s five year, $750,000 pledge to fund the construction of a healing garden adjacent to the Medical Center’s new West Tower.

“Our hope is that this event will allow participants to acquire some great items at prices that are friendly to smaller personal budgets,” says co-chair Christine Weaver. “We’re also excited to announce that any handbags or dresses not purchased at the event will be donated to the theater department at Lewis University.”

Chartered in 1955, the Women's Auxiliary at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center is considered to be a philanthropic arm of the Foundation, raising money for the needs of the hospital. Over the past 54 years, the Auxiliary, through fundraising and volunteering activities, has raised over two million dollars to support both program and capital needs of the Medical Center, including expansion of the Emergency Department, the Imaging (Radiology) remodel, Physical Therapy equipment and Sister Theresa Cancer Care Center.

Tickets to the event will be $35 and include the meal and attendance at the show. Raffle tickets may be purchased and will be six for $5, or $1 each. Sizes and prices for the fashion show gowns and dresses will be listed in program distributed on the day of the event. To RSVP, for more information, or to inquire about making monetary, gown or handbag donations, please the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation Office at (815) 725-7133, ext. 3339.