Members of Beta Rho chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa sorority hosted its 28th Annual Evening of Elegance, "A Celebration of Sisterhood," to a sold out crowd at The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

Hundreds of guests shopped the Boulevard of Boutiques before being treated to a gourmet dinner prepared by the Radisson chefs, a salad of greens, figs Gorgonzola crumbles and pumpkin seeds wrapped in a slice of English cucumber, followed by a craisin and marscarpone chicken strudel with acorn squash cream sauce and sweet potato mousse with broccoli rabe and red pepper on the side. Dinner concluded with chocolate decadent cake draped in chocolate ganache with white chocolate mousse.

The meal was followed by the annual Evening of Elegance signature style show, the only one in the region presented by Susan Glick with Merchandise Mart Fashion Productions.

Kudos to the style show chairwomen Darlene Dobis, Peggy Waluk and Christine Klus, chapter President Marge Aloia, and committee chairwomen Betsy Barnes, Nancy Draper, Linda Eisenhauer, Jackie Fioreti, Judy Foster, Amy Gayda, Diane Gordon, Elsie Hoffman, Claudia Huson, Susan Kallimani, Marge Kerr, Kathy Koscielniak, Barb Lazzaro, Barb Lucas, Nancy Mauman, Phyllis McNeill, Kathleen Place, Sharon Stroguiludis and Judy Tonk, for all their hard work to make this the most successful "Celebration of Sisterhood" in history.

The Evening of Elegance continues to be one of the largest and most successful fundraisers in the state, as well as a fabulous "ladies night out."

Kappa Kappa Kappa sorority, known as Tri Kappa, is exclusive to Indiana and is comprised of more than 12,000 Hoosier women dedicated to promoting charity, culture and education within their communities.

In years past, the Beta Rho chapter has contributed more than $150,000 to local organizations such as South Shore Arts, the Humane Society of NWI, Sojourner Truth House and Calumet Area Hospice. Beta Rho also awards numerous educational scholarships annually with the Mary Jane Rolf Scholarship fund, and participates in the State Gifted and Talented scholarships to deserving local students.

Christmas homes tour

Speaking of Tri Kappa, don't miss the 13th annual Tri Kappa- Zeta Psi Christmas home tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

The homes this year are located in Crown Point’s White Hawk and St. John’s Lake Hills subdivisions. Treats and sweets will be available for sale at one of the homes, including the group’s famous cheese ball.

Tickets are $15 when purchased in advance. They are available by calling (219) 322-1187, (219) 322-4028 or (219) 365-0981. They are also available at the Hoosier Highlander in downtown Highland (219) 838-0632, Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn on 45th Avenue in Highland, and Louise’s Hallmark on U.S. 41 in St. John.

Christmas wishes

Joy Heminger, director of community awareness at St. Jude House in Crown Point, is asking the community to open their hearts and their wallets for the residents of St. Jude House this holiday season.

Like most homes at this time of year, the staff and residents of St. Jude House are making plans for holiday celebrations. However, the clients who temporarily call the Crown Point shelter home are financially unable to provide the gifts they would like to give their children. All holiday foods and gifts for both children and their parents are provided to the residents of St. Jude House through the support of a generous community.

Individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses can play a vital role in making sure that families fleeing domestic violence can have a joyous Christmas. By donating gift cards in any denomination from retailers such as Target, Walmart, Jewel Foods, Strack & Van Til, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, or Westfield Southlake Mall, it will be possible to give the gift of choice to parents for their children's holidays.

Gift cards for gasoline are also very practical gifts for St. Jude House residents.

For those who wish to support St. Jude House by sponsoring a gift drive, items such as new pillows, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, diapers, personal products, and prepaid phone cards are all welcome and badly needed.

A Wish List of needed items is also available by calling (219) 662-7066, ext. 15.

All gifts donated to St. Jude House must be unwrapped and delivered by Dec.15.

Since opening its doors in 1995, St. Jude House has provided services to more than 8,000 adults and dependent children. All services are offered at no charge.

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