Focus on fine goods at Allendale Boutique

The 46th Annual Allendale Boutique takes place Nov. 4 to 7 at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest.

The distinctive shopping event is the primary fundraiser of The Shelter Club, the largest private financial supporter for the Allendale Association. The association is a non-profit child welfare agency serving disadvantaged youth and their families throughout the Chicago area. To ensure high quality merchandise, Allendale members reviewed items to be sold at their at a recent, general meeting at the home of Melissa Waud in Lake Forest.

Allendale Shelter Club: (From left) Laura Fabick, owner of Fabick's Stationary and Design in Milwaukee, and Mary Dolan of Lake Forest with some of Fabick's products at a recent meeting of the Allendale Shelter Club in Lake Forest. The women will take part in the 46th Annual Allendale Boutique which opens with the Ladies' Sneak Peek from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 4. North Shore women are invited to grab a drink, have a bite, and be the first to see what the 2009 boutique has to offer.
(Rob Dicker/Staff Photographer)

Allendale Boutique is known for offering fine goods from around the world in a shopper-friendly setting, and has something for everyone. More than 20 retailers will display a variety of items including specialty women's apparel, gifts for teachers, children, and friends, one-of-a-kind jewelry, holiday and home decor and fine menswear.

Boutique parties

The event will open with the Ladies' Sneak Peek, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 4. Guests will be invited to grab a drink, have a bite, and be the first to see what the 2009 boutique has to offer.

The Annual Patron Party, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, will celebrate the Shelter Club and its friends. Catering by Michael's designed the festive menu, and will feature food inspired by cuisines from around the world.

In memoriam

Partygoers will also have the opportunity to make a donation in memory of two exceptional individuals, Fan and Ralph Brown of Lake Forest. The Browns gave their time, talent and resources to Allendale children for more than 50 years, welcoming groups of children to their home for swimming, tennis, trampoline play and picnic lunches. Many graduates consider their summer afternoons at the Brown's to be the most memorable events of their time at Allendale.

In a recent letter, former Allendale resident Chris Dyer praised Fan Brown and the staff at Allendale for giving him a greater sense of self worth. "I also developed a love for people regardless of background or ethnicity because Fan Brown showed me that all those things don't matter," he wrote. "I judge everyone by their actions and not by their past, which has helped me to truly experience the diversity of life and meet a lot of great people along the way like Fan Brown."