Tricia Montgomery does not want to be portrayed as a hero, but her eleventh-hour rescue of Hinsdale’s End of the Summer Bash has brought praise from local officials.

“Hinsdale is a community that thrives on volunteerism, and this is another example of someone stepping up to the plate all on their own,” said Village Manager David Cook.

Montgomery, who owns P.Monty Public Relations, has agreed to produce the popular summer event free of charge after hearing the village had cut the program to help balance its 2009-10 budget.

“I approached Dave Cook about two months go and said we could do this,” said Montgomery, who served as public education director for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association from 1993 until 2006.

Montgomery, a University of Alabama graduate and Hinsdale resident, started her own company three days after leaving the CVMA.

“I left on a Friday, and by Monday I had four clients,” Montgomery said. “I tried to take some time off, but that lasted all of about three minutes,” she said.

Montgomery said she is devoting her full energy to the bash, and already has signed contracts with three bands scheduled to perform, including Rooftop Nights, comprised of Hinsdale area musicians.

“I love to make things happen, to find innovative, creative ways to make them happen,” she said.

Notable
• While working at Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, Montgomery helped the Chicago White Sox initiate “Dog Days of Summer,” a promotion where fans bring their pets to a baseball game
• The White Sox have never lost a game during a “Dog Days of Summer” promotion, Montgomery said.
• She also is responsible for starting a spay/neuter clinic in Costa Rica

Quotable
“It’s one thin to have an idea, it is another to do something with it. If you wait for someone to come along and do it, nothing gets done,” Montgomery said.

Philosophy
• “Be true to your calling. Everyone has a calling that is unique.”
  •“Music can inspire you.”

Favorites
HOBBIES Boxing, running, yoga, swimming, writing poetry and a journal
SPORTS TEAM Chicago White Sox
FOOD Garbage omelets with spinach I make myself, and sushi at local sushi restaurants
BOOK  Dr. Seuss, “Green Eggs and Ham”
MOVIES “The Ugly Dachshund,” and “AUGUST RUSH”
MUSIC Pearl Jam, Sister Hazel