HGTV Host in Town for Salt Creek Ballet Benefit Tonight

HGTV host Monica Pedersen will join efforts with two businesses to raise funds for what is being called "a dying art." and the in the Village Center will host a benefit tonight for the Salt Creek Ballet, which has studios in Hinsdale and Westmont.

The benefit starts at 6 p.m. and will run until 8 p.m. Students of Salt Creek Ballet will perform a five-minute excerpt from its spring performance during the benefit at the Kohler Store. At the same time, Pedersen will be autographing her new book, which hit store shelves in May, at .

Pedersen is a TV host and former model, who regular appears on the Today Show and Live! with Kelly (formerly Live With Regis and Kelly.) Her book, Make It Beautiful gives tips on party-planning for different occasions and budgets. Pedersen is a spokesperson for Kohler, and the daughter of a close friend of hers takes dance lessons at Salt Creek.

"[Ballet] is one of those arts that's dying," said Melissa Curtis, manager of The Kohler Store in Burr Ridge. "We want to do something."

Tickets for the event are $25 each, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit Salt Creek Ballet. The Kohler Store will be raffling items such as a $500 design service and spa package. will conduct tours of its facility during the fundraiser. Light refreshments and finger foods will be served.