Stepping Into Autumn fundraiser presented by Byron Women’s Club

By Wanda Cacciatore

Byron Women’s Club

BYRON – A summer of planning for the Byron Women’s Club Stepping Into Autumn major fundraiser was completed with the Sunday, Sept. 27 event. The beautiful setting of the Byron Prairie View Pavilion was transformed into an Autumn scene as guests entered the dining room featuring tables, all different, created by individual members of the club. A gourmet luncheon provided by Costa’s Ristorante included a vintage recipe salad and a season appropriate apple cake made by club members. An addition to the fundraiser of a Cash Raffle was also featured to generate funds for the BWC Empowering Women Scholarships. Tickets were $20 and Ticket Chairs Judy Wiltfang and Marian Grace reported brisk sales for the opportunity to win cash in the amounts of $1000, $500, and five $100. Only 250 tickets were sold.

Fashions shown were from Merlin’s Other Side, Cherished Boutique, David’s Bridal, Sara Grace, Talbot’s and others. Ethan Johnson, soccer player supreme, put aside his violin and flute for the weekend as he modeled outfits from the Children’s Place. Sister Claire, also a soccer player and gymnast joined twins Nora, known as The Instigator, and Elyse, Miss Me Too, in styles also from the Children’s Place.

Merlin Hagemann, Dennis Cassens and Aaron Johnson showed formal wear from the Men’s Wearhouse. Dr. Amy Johnson joined family members in modeling fashions from Christopher Banks, while members of the Byron Women’s Club modeled other fashions from various stores.

Mary Kay Director, Kathy Wickler, assisted the models with make-up and Sandi Murray, owner of Tease Salon, was the hair stylist.

Door Prizes and Gift Certificates donated by area businesses and individuals were drawn throughout the event. Gift Certificates were received from Curves, 5th Alarm, G & K Graphics, Byron P.E. Center, Sam’s Drive-In, Swedish Pancake House, Sisiter-n-Stitches, The Look Salon, Wood’s Sports, and Union Bar & Grill. Gifts were also received from Amy Cakes, cupcakes by Amy Johnson, Manicure by Barb Egli, Byron Bank Gift Package, Byron Chamber -ByronFest tickets for 2016, Byron Community Theater 2015/2016 season tickets, Cherished Boutique, Hailey’s Winery Gift Basket, and Prairie View Golf Course 18 holes with cart for foursome.

Saro and Robin Costa and the Byron Forest Preserve were co-sponsors with the Byron Women’s Club for this kick-off to what’s new for fall. Reservation Chair, Jan Stukenberg reported one hundred and twenty reservations were made for Stepping Into Autumn, a fun and fashion enlightening happening!

All funds generated by this event will be used for the Byron Women’s Club Empowering Women Scholarships and other charitable organizations the BWC supports.

The family of Byron Women’s Club President Kathy Johnson was a big part of the Stepping Into Fashion fundraiser held at the Prairie View Golf Pavilion on Sunday, Sept. 27. Shown here is her son Aaron and his wife Sarah, along with their children, Ethan, 12 years old, Claire, 8, and 3 1/2 year old twins Nora and Elyse. Aaron and his wife Sarah live in Madison, WI with their children. He is an architect at Potter Lawson and teaches architecture at Madison College. Following in his father’s musical footsteps, he is also a trumpet player. Sarah is head of the Writing Lab at Madison College and had the lead in the Mikado this summer.