Local businesses to hold event to support slain woman's scholarship fund

Local businesses to hold event to support slain woman's scholarship fund

Two businesses in Lemont, Illinois will team up to hold a fashion show to benefit a murder victim's memorial scholarship fund that helps disadvantaged students pursue opportunities after high school, including college, trade school or online programs.

The Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Day Spa and 1 Happy Girl Salon will donate the proceeds of its Fall/Winter Vision of '09 Trend Show to be held October 10 to Carrie's Fund, a scholarship program honoring Carri Hudek-Chiuso, the fund's website announced.

Hudek-Chiuso, a social worker at a local high school, was murdered with five other women at a Lane Bryant store in February of last year.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the show will feature stylists explaining how to achieve each model's look. A silent auction and a raffle will also be offered.

The victim's family established a scholarship program in her honor to help disadvantaged youth pursue higher education.

Mike Hudek, Hudek-Chuiso's brother and foundation organizer, told the newspaper that proceeds from the foundation's annual fundraiser, Carrie-Fest, and donations from local business currently total $200,000 and have provided scholarships to three students.

The fact that "local business here still found a way to give" to the fund is "really, really amazing, given the economic times we're in," he added.

Those wishing to pursue continuing education may seek out such scholarship opportunities to fund programs such as online courses.