Three Chimneys held the first of what it's planning to do more of last Wednesday night when it hosted a winter boutique fashion parade.

The popular Wollongong venue installed a catwalk, DJ and good lighting to set a new benchmark in Wollongong.

Owner Shane Jaque turned on light canapes to start the evening and gift bags from each of the six featured boutiques.

The parade featured clothing from Moose and I, Cocomae, Frolic Girls, Little Wanderers, Minty Dudds and Jam. Among the models was Alex Sinadinovic who made the Top 4 of Australia's Next Top Model, and Caity Baites, who was promoted by Steve Barker.

Dimitri Skarvelis, of Entourage Agency, provided most of the models. Val Flores, of Minq Body and Beauty, did most of the makeup.

$20,000 Blue Mile

The Blue Mile Dash raising money for brain cancer research on June 19 raised $19,908 for the Cancer Council's work in brain cancer. Team Michael was the highest fundraiser with $4072 in sponsorship for the 1.6 kilometre dash along the Wollongong foreshore.

The winning team was South Coast Runners.

Cancer Council's Terry Deegan said total funds raised from the Blue Mile Dash was $19,908.05

Highest Fundraising Teams;

1st Team Michael $4,072.05

2nd Smart Financial $4,055.00

3rd Kelly Partners $2,034.25

Largest Team – Smart Financial (28 runners)

Fastest Teams;

1st South Coast Runners

2nd Savvy Fitness

3rd  RMB Lawyers

Ables with a buzz

Beau Thatcher and Lu Ristov have organised a very special free Ables Nightclub event for people with disabilities on July 10. It is being held at The Grand Hotel from 6pm.

Ables Nightclub has run monthly for almost a year. The next will feature a vibrating dance floor for those with no sight and/or hearing. Anyone can come and entry is free from 6pm.

10th birthday bash

Bulli-based Fibre Optics Design and Construct (FODC) is celebrating its 10th birthday on Thursday. It designs and installs fibre optic communication systems for motorways and mines, as well as the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Harbour Bridge.

General manager Michael McKeogh said highlights include being named 2013 Illawarra Business of the Year, two national excellence awards for innovation, and creating jobs for both school leavers and mature aged workers.

Couture art prints

Wendi Leigh Designs has been developing its own approach to fashion prints on faux silks and slinky jerseys.

They are digitally printed in Sydney and Wendi Leigh makes them into affordable couture styles for the local market - something unique and bright.

Older and fitter

CatholicCare and Savvy Fitness have joined to help ageing people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Be Stronger, Live Longer includes weekly personal and group training and sessions about nutrition, sleep therapy, physiotherapy, navigating the Aged Care Sector and legal issues.

The first cohort of 40 recently completed the 11-week program and celebrate at a Seacliff Restaurant lunch on Wednesday.

Hargrave centenary

More than 70 people will be at a special Lawrence Hargrave Centenary Luncheon on Sunday at Stanwell Park Surf Club. It is catered by Stanwell Park Kiosk and volunteer helpers from the Stanwell Park CWA.

Michael Blanche entertains, joined by fellow Hargrave composer Stephen Goldrick and Geoff Sykes, a Hargrave playwright and film-maker.

Lawrence Hargrave Centre secretary Michael Adams said members of the Hargrave family would attend.

And Lawrence John Hargrave would give the welcome address.

Hargrave kites will be flown.

Wilson fundraiser

Anyone missing the July 21 Graham Wilson fundraiser can donate online at lagoonrestaurant.com.au/upcoming-events/graham-wilson-fundraiser/ via the Entertainment Assist donations page. It is important to tick a check box and enter the name Graham Wilson.

KidzWish Day

Greater Building Society Shellharbour branch manager Brendan White is among 40 volunteers getting behind KidzWish Day on July 2 to raise funds to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged kids.

The donations are being collected at Stockland Shellharbour where there will also be children's entertainment and activities. Donations can also be made in The Greater's branch or the customer service desk where a $5, $10, $20 leaf can be bought for the KidzWish Giving Tree. The target is $35,000.

Success with grants

Tehla Bower, of Waples, is facilitating two free grant writing workshops for RDA Illawarra - at the Kiama Pavilion on July 7 and the second at Villa D'Oro in Wollongong on July 9.

Mrs Bower has helped raise almost $15 million in funding and fundraising appeals over the years.

League Club's 60th

Dapto Leagues Club has a number of events for its 60th anniversary including a 1950s cabaret Christmas lunch and show on July 9, a family fun day at The Grange on July 19 and a range of school holiday fund activities.

THE DIARY

July 1 to July 10 - Little Leonardo's Art Studio daily school holiday art classes for three and four-year-olds at 9.30am, five to eight-year-olds from 11am and nine to 12-year-olds from 1pm. Call 4295 1042.

 July 2 - The Illawarra Connection executive member luncheon at Villa D'Oro.

- Fibre Optics Design and Construct celebrates its 10th birthday at Rixon Avenue, Bulli.

- Greater Building Society Shellharbour branch manager Brendan White is one of more than 40 volunteers getting behind KidzWish Day from 9am to 4pm, raising funds to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged kids.

July 3 - Illawarra Women In Business Coffee Club at Pepe's on the Beach from 10am.

July 5 - Lawrence Hargrave Centenary Luncheon at Stanwell Park Surf Club.

- Seacliff High Tea at Seacliff Restaurant.

July 7 - Free grant writing workshop for RDA Illawarra at the Kiama Pavilion.

July 9 - Free grant writing workshop for RDA Illawarra at Villa D'Oro Wollongong.

July 10 - Ables Nightclub hosts the Vibratronic Dance Floor that assists deaf and blind people.

- The Super Wrestling Heroes are performing at The Dapto Leagues Club.

- Friends of Southern Stars Ball from 6pm at Bella Portofino.