They’re hardly antiques, but the 93 Beanie Babies that will be raffled off to one lucky winner at this year’s Fox Valley Antique Show qualify as instant collectibles–and the little critters are raising cash to help seniors.
Revenues from the raffle and a portion of proceeds from ticket sales to the show will benefit the Delnor-Community Residential Living Center for older adults, now under construction. The three-day show opens Friday at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
The center, scheduled for completion in late fall on the site of the old Delnor Hospital in St. Charles, will include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and such amenities as a library, dining room and hair salon. Low-income residents may receive financial help with monthly fees through a program supported by the Delnor-Community Hospital Auxiliary, which is sponsoring the antique show and raffle.
According to Pat Chlebowski, hospital gift shop manager, the batch of Beanie Babies will include the coveted Princess Bear, issued in honor of Diana, the late Princess of Wales, and a hard-to-find green Erin Bear, issued for St. Patrick’s Day.
Produced by the Chicago Suburban Antique Dealers Association, the exhibit will feature wares of 54 dealers from 14 states. The annual event, now in its 41st year, drew around 4,000 people last year, organizers said.
“This year’s show is especially strong, with a lot of really nice mahogany and cherry pieces,” said Sue Jensen, the show’s co-chairwoman and an auxiliary member. “There also will be paintings, silver, toys, prints, sporting items, rare books and more.”
Homemade lunches, suppers and baked goods also will be available, Jensen said. Parking is free at the fairgrounds, located on Randall Road, between Illinois Highways 38 and 64.
Show tickets are $6 at the door or $5 in advance from the Front Door Gift Shop at Delnor-Community Hospital, 300 Randall Rd., Geneva. Raffle tickets, priced at $2 each or 3 for $5, may be purchased at the hospital gift shop or the show. For more information, call the hospital’s Volunteer Services Department at 630-208-4265.
To create the residential living center, the original 1940s portion of Delnor Hospital is being restored, and the scenic front lawn will be preserved. A $12 million, two-story, Georgian-style wing also will be built.