Cosmetologists Chicago's Secretary and Board member Denise Provenzano, along with
her Zanos salon team. Denise, second from left, is pictured at fundraiser with Sam,
Nick and Sara Provenzano, all of the Zanos Salons.  

Zano Salons of Naperville hosted a Magical Cocktail Party fundraiser on June 6. A cascade of cocktails along with an auction, raffle, and fashion doubled their original target goal for the Blessings in a Backpack program, which benefitted Beaupre Elementary School in Aurora.

Together with co-event organizers Nettie McFarlan Badgley of Monarch Marketing and Ramona Ustian of Thomas Coffee, Zano Salon's owner, Denise Provenzano, raised $68,000 with all proceeds used to feed Beaupre students.

Blessings in a Backpack was founded in 2000 and is now feeding over 37,000 students nationally. Ramona Ustian, owner of Thomas Coffee, joined the National Board of Directors in 2010, starting fundraising efforts in the local area to provide backpacks full of food for the weekend. It costs $80 to feed one American child for the entire 38-week school year.

"Education and nutrition at this age is critical to these young students' future success. These students are right in our backyard. I hope the food we provide for the weekend will encourage students to come to school and facilitate learning so they can be successful for the rest of their lives," said Ustian.

Denise Provenzano was thrilled with everyone's generosity.

"Everyone we asked for sponsorship was willing to help," she said. "When people heard we were feeding children, there was no question."

"I wanted a party with a purpose. I didn't want it to be something where guests were merely spectators. I wanted it to be somewhere for them to meet people and network, something where everyone was part of the entertainment," said Provenzano.

More than 250 supporters enjoyed a sellout evening on Gibson's Steakhouse patio. By donating their services free, Gibson's ensured all money raised went directly to the program.

Auction items included a chef's dinner for eight from Rosebud Restaurant, a dinner for 10 including wine from Sullivan's Restaurant, a Zano Salon spa party for five, a Navistar LPG classic VIP experience and two night's accommodation and dinner in the Napa Valley.

Guests left with gift bags valued at more than $100 filled with gifts from Thomas Coffee, Kerastase, CND, Redken, Pureology, GM Collin and Aquage.

Other sponsors included Fiora's Restaurant, Daily Method, LOOKS Ltd, BodiBronze, Dan Wolf Automotive Group, Design Inspirations, Morton's Steak House, Mark and Amy Wilson, Medinah Country Club, Naperville Magazine, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Auberge du Soleil, Mario Tricocci, WGN, Bobbye and Jerry Sloan family, Bill and Sarah Adamson, GoLoyal E mail, Bri'Zan Couture, Chicago's First Lady, Legacy Marketing Partners, Catch 35, Merry Richards Jewelers, Far Niente, Merrill Lynch, Cubby Bear and Vines on Clark.

For more information on Blessings in  Backpack, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org.