Hoping for the best ... a designer bridal gown for $50 St. Anne's fundraiser helps brides, needy families.(Commitments)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), April, 2006 | by Daday, Eileen O.

Byline: Eileen O. Daday Daily Herald Correspondent Kristen Nolan of Hanover Park knew to come prepared. When she learned of a special bridal fair, selling designer bridal gowns for just $50, she came armed with helpers. The better to grab more sizes, she figured. The newly engaged Nolan was first in line earlier this month at a first ever "Heart of Hope Bridal Faire," held in Barrington.

And sure enough, she and her future sister-in-law, Mary Waddick of Cary, and her daughters, Jenny and Laura, all had their arms filled with bridal gowns. With the whimsical Baroque music of Vivaldi playing in the background, Nolan and the rest of the brides made quick work of scanning the racks of donated gowns before heading for the fitting rooms. Volunteers with an...