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Stars align for Winnetka Community House
Fifty-six stars were decorated for the Winnetka Community House's Centennial Celebration. All will be on display at the Centennial Gala this Saturday.
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Updated: May 16, 2012 4:24PM
The Winnetka Community House will be home to a star-filled gala Saturday. Not stars like Robert Pattinson and George Clooney. These stars are fiberglass and decorated likes works of art.
As part of the community house’s centennial celebration, it sought sponsors to buy and decorate the stars, which will be put on display throughout the village this summer. Sponsors had their choice of two sizes, a 30-inch tall star for $450, or a 36-inch star for $650. The proceeds will help fund the community house’s programs.
The popularity of the project exceeded the organizers’ hopes.
Louise Holland, chairwoman of the centennial committee, had to keep raising her expectations as more stars were ordered. She initially thought the organization might sell about 16, but by last September, 35 sponsors had signed up. The final total is 56 stars ready for display. Guests at the Centennial Gala can see them all.
They are decorated by 30 different artists. The results are “very varied,” Holland said. “Some are unbelievably fabulous.”
After Saturday’s party, the stars will move to their temporary sites. Ten will be on Winnetka Park District property; 23 will be on village property; 14 will remain indoors and 9 will stay on private property, both residential and commercial.
The stars that will be displayed outdoors have been treated with a sealant to protect them from the weather, and it’s hoped, vandals.
The committee has asked members of the Community House Board of Governors to each “adopt” several stars that they will keep an eye on and make sure they stay in good condition, Holland said.
In November, the stars will be sold during a silent auction.
But anyone who wants to secure ownership of a particular star may purchase it for $2,500. The star still would be displayed in the village, but it would not be auctioned off in November.
Tickets for the gala are still available. They cost $200 and include dinner and dancing. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, in the Winnetka Community House, at 620 Lincoln Ave. Purchase the tickets in advance by calling Community House Director of Development Alana Flatley, at (847) 881-9316.
