Get Ready to Gala: What to Wear to Helping Hand's Fundraiser This Weekend

, a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to people with disabilities, holds its biggest fundraiser of the year this Saturday, March 10 at the Marriott Hotel Banquet Hall in Bur Ridge.

The 13th Annual Helping Hand Gala and Auction features a cocktail reception, dinner and wine service, a silent auction and a live auction as well as other entertainment. A 10-piece band, Roxette, featuring a string ensemble, keyboard and classical guitar will provide music for the event.

CBS Chicago news anchor Rob Johnson hosts the event again this year.

Tickets are $150 and can still be purchased online, or at the door on the night of the event.

The silent auction began on Tuesday, and tickets are not required to place a bid. Featured items include wine or beer packages and sports memorabilia. You won't want to miss this opportunity to place a bid, which can be placed via text message or on your smart phone. To see a list of items available via the silent auction, click here.

Saturday's live auction features some incredible items as well—but you'll need to buy a ticket to participate. The live auction features some amazing vacation packages like the America's Cup Yacht Adventure, or a gourmet diner for eight in La Grange.

What to Wear: Cocktail Attire Tips from Nancy Pipal

The evening calls for formal cocktail attire—so don't show up in jeans. When questions of what's appropriate for the occasion arise at La Grange Patch, we turn to our for the answers. Here's what she had to say:

For the Ladies:

The little black dress, of course, is always the right choice. Add some bling with a beautiful necklace, or a bejeweled belt, and then slip on some satin pumps and voila! You will look understated and sophisticated. 

If you are a person who loves color and thinks the L.B.D. a bit of a bore, may I suggest a knee length dress in a jewel tone like sapphire blue, dark emerald green, or a rich ruby red? Save the lighter brighter colors for late spring or summer. And please keep your jewelry simple, Ladies... very, very simple.

Another option is to go the route of separates: a pair of black or ivory crepe pants with a satin, silk, velvet or chiffon top would also fit the bill quite nicely. I've seen some really great tops this season in some beautifully cut shapes that could easily mimic a "dressy dress" kind of look. Choose bronze, gold, silver or champagne on top for that special occasion flare.

For the Men:

A suit and tie for you, without question, Gentlemen. Easy breezy. 

But please make it a very dark solid colored suit like charcoal grey, navy or black and forget the glen plaid or herringbone tweed. And just so you know? Sport coats are definitely not ok.

Add a crisp white shirt (no baby blues, yellows or pinks), and most importantly, a great silk tie in a solid light color such as pale silver, or dove grey. It's not an everyday tie, and that's just the point. A cocktail attire event is not an every day occurrence. It's a special occasion and deserves a special tie. 

Don't forget your dressy wingtips and be sure you polish the dickens out of them.