The Buzz: February 2018

ON ANGEL’S WINGS
For more than a decade, April Graves of Light Drawn Studios in Barrington has been photographing children as angels for inclusion in the annual Beautiful Things with Wings calendar—with proceeds going to support WINGS, a local nonprofit organization that provides shelter and services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Angel portrait sessions for the 2019 calendar will be held February 19-21 and again on April 16-18 on the Eden de Palais Carousel at the Sanfilippo family’s private estate in Barrington Hills. Wings, halos, and dresses are provided. “These portrait sessions are truly a magical experience and a wonderful way to teach your children to give to those in need,” says Graves. To schedule your session, call Light Drawn Studios at 224-655-7801 or visit lightdrawnstudios.com. To find out more about WINGS, visit wingsprogram.com.

THINK SPRING
Got spring cleaning on the mind? New flooring can make something old look new. Whether you need to prepare your garage to welcome a new car, spruce up a basement rec room floor, improve the aesthetics of your business showroom, or get your house ready to put on the market, a new polyaspartic floor by American Garage Flooring Systems could be the answer. Choices range from vibrant single colors and metallic to colored flake patterns that create distinctive designs. The company can also inlay blown-up logos of sports teams or clients’ initials. American Garage Floor Systems is located at 22292 N. Pepper Road in Barrington, 847-382-FLOR (3567), agschicago.com.

MADAM PRESIDENT
Congratulations to Barrington’s Judy Gibbons of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, who was recently installed as the 2018 president of the Woman’s Council of Realtors Chicago. Founded in 1938, the organization, which currently includes 12,000 of the best and brightest in the business, seeks to advance women as professionals and leaders in business, the real estate industry, and the communities they serve. Gibbons is a shining example who embodies these values and accomplishments in both her professional and personal life. “I am thrilled to be leading the real estate industry, the community and fellow REALTOR’s by continuing the work that started in 1938,” says Gibbons. “Today, Women’s Council is the twelfth largest U.S. women’s professional organization in the United States.” The Women’s Council has long been an advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in the real estate industry. Unlike many occupations, including those in the Hollywood industry, female brokers in real estate earn the same commission as their male counterparts. This is a high honor for Gibbons, who has built her career on the values of family and home, and serves as a role model for all of us in the Barrington community and beyond. Way to go, Judy! For more information, visit judygibbonsproperties.com.

THE AWARD GOES TO…
It seems that award season is not just reserved for Hollywood. Another Barrington professional receiving kudos is our own Christina Currie of Christina Currie Events, Inc.—recently honored with the coveted 2017 Wedding Planner of Excellence Award by the Wedding International Professionals Association. It turns out the wedding that garnered Currie the award was for Barrington’s Blake Fawcett and her groom Ian Bell. The 2016 summer grand affair, which took place at the Four Seasons Chicago, included over-the-top touches including a plush private cocktail lounge, towering champagne tower, chic private night club, and a 4-foot high, six-tiered wedding cake with gold edible fondant wrap. “It was a pleasure to be included with other nominees in the prestigious category,” says Currie. This award was one of sixteen categories recognized by WIPA, which is recognized as one of the primary sources of expertise in the wedding industry. CCE is a seasoned event planning company specializing in full-service weddings and productions of unforgettable events. For more information, visit christinacurrieevents.com.