FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lisa Reyes
(847) 221-7825
M: (847) 772-1129
lreyes@littlecity.org

Rick Johnson
847-221-7831
rjohnson@littlecity.org

Little City Artists Design Accessory Line for Fashion Show Tomorrow Spotlighting Chicago’s Top Designers Marking Little City’s Golden Anniversary

The artists of Little City Foundation’s Center for the Arts Program designed and hand-wove purses and clutches tailored for the John Schultz Collection; the fashion extraordinaire and other premier fashion designers will present their latest fall fashions at the Little City Fashion Show Oct. 2 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers

PALATINE, IL, Oct. 1, 2009 – Illustrating that “creativity has no disability,” the resident artists of Little City Foundation created and designed purses and clutches for Little City Foundation’s upcoming Fashion Show, which will present the designs of some of the fashion world’s most prestigious names Oct. 2 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.  The Little City Fashion Show serves as a kick-off event celebrating the Foundation’s 50 years of groundbreaking, innovative service to hundreds of children and adults with disabilities.

Leading designers such as BCBG, Contessa Bottege, Dismero, Escada, Garber Furs, John Schultz, Mira Couture, Paul Sisti and Sylwia W will come together to present their latest designs while raising awareness for children and adults with disabilities.

Little City expects to host nearly 600 supporters at the celebration tomorrow evening.

“We’re delighted that leaders in the fashion world have partnered with us to show that creativity has no disability, and that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can originate beautiful pieces that inspire us all,” commented Little City Executive Director Shawn Jeffers.  “For 50 years, Little City has strived to provide vocational programs that help foster meaningful and fulfilling lives for people with differing abilities.  The Center for the Arts is just one of them.”

Developed in the Little City Center for the Arts, the purses and clutches presented as part of the John Schulz line will help generate awareness of the talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities.  Little City programs endeavor to present its artists’ pieces on their own merits – not as the work of people with cognitive and developmental disabilities, but as important work that contributes to contemporary cultural discussions.

“John Schultz was taught the craft from his mother at young age learning to work with textiles and his own hands,” commented Tracey Tarantino, president of ZZAZZ Productions.   “He can attest to the talents of Little City residents and their use of hand-crafted arts because he is master at the use of textiles in creating fashion.”

The Little City Fashion Show begins with cocktails and networking, followed by sit-down, gourmet plated dinner, and exciting raffle giveaways, and will continue on the runway, showcasing highly-coveted clothing lines from Chicago designers and retailers.

Major sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Ford Models, Inc. and Runway Sponsor ZZAZZ Productions.

Little City is committed to providing the best options and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live safely, work productively, explore creatively, and learn continuously throughout their lifetime.

To register, visit: www.littlecity.org/fashion.

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or at (847) 221-7825.

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About Little City Foundation

For nearly 50 years, Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Little City offers a variety of residential options for children and adults, as well as vocational and employment opportunities.  Programs and services include a special needs foster care and adoption program; in-home support to families raising a child with developmental disabilities; a full complement of recreational activities, including Special Olympics competition; a Resale Shop that provides employment for people with disabilities; and an award-winning Center for the Arts program that features visual, performance, media and fabric arts.  The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago.  Visit www.littlecity.org.