Becky Nemchock is an enthusiastic and energetic woman who works as secretary at Christ United Methodist Church. One of her duties is to help organize the Church’s annual arts and craft fair, held every May to raise funds for the church.

Last fall, she started thinking of a way to expand the event ever further and to include kids in some way.

“Ours is a small church, but there is a lot of land to utilize in this event,” she said. “My son is a freshman at York High School and often brings home interesting things he’s made in art class. That gave me the idea of having kids of all ages participate in the art and craft fair by selling their creations.

“They would not have to pay an entry fee, and they would decide how much of their earnings to donate to the Elmhurst Walk In Ministry before keeping the remainder. Since one of the things the Walk in Ministry does is provide snacks to needy District 205 students, it seemed fitting to name the event Kids Helping Kids.”

Nemchock went on to explain that kids could sell their art at tables set up for the purpose for the entire event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or choose to be there just part of the time. She pointed out that the Cub and Girl Scout troops who meet at the church are making items they plan to sell, with all the earnings to go to the Walk In Ministry, and many members of the church are also contributing items for sale as well.

There has already been a good response from District 205 students eager to participate, but there is still time to register.

For those of you who appreciate rather than create art, you may want to spend some time checking out the various items, and if you don’t leave with a plant, jewelry, piece of pottery or painting, you may just go home with a pet — three pet rescue operations will also be on hand with some orphaned dogs up for adoption.

“Because of the slow economy, many people can’t afford their pets, so they have turned them over to humane societies,” Nemchock said, and because she is an animal lover who runs a dog-walking business in her spare time, she is eager to find good homes for these animals.

Whether you adopt a dog or come with your own, you can have a caricature done of your pet by gifted artist, Nicole.

In addition to plants, art, crafts and pets for sale, there will also be an inflatable bounce house for kids to enjoy. Here is just another great example of people helping people. Hope to see you there!

Christ United Methodist Church is located at 920 S. Swain St. For details, call (630) 833-7723.

Fashion Show Fundraiser

Jackie Haddad called to tell me about the DuPage Republican fundraiser held April 24 at Harry Carey’s Ballroom at the Westin Hotel in Lombard. It was the first such event and was chaired by Julie Cronin.

Guests enjoyed dinner and a fashion show sponsored by Zazz Productions and York Furriers. Haddad said that Shirley Myers, Cathy Jordan, Lue Caparelli, Caroline Wilson, Heidi Forbush, Carol Jurecwriz, and daughters-in-law Michelle and Kira Haddad were at her table.

Those modeling furs included State Sens. Carol Pankau and Dan Cronin with his wife, Julie, State Rep. Bob Biggins with his wife, Judy, Alderman Chris Nybo, Dan Wilkinson, State Rep. Patty Bellock, York Township Trustee Paul Hinds, and County Board member Jeff Redick.