This, friends, is Oak Park’s version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” An iconic local institution is in deep financial distress. The hero of our story is conflicted, torn between worry over their predicament and blessed by the concern of friends and supporters. The call goes out. Help arrives — in the nick of time — with monetary contributions and sincere gratitude.
This is not the Bailey Bros. Building & Loan we’re talking about, though. This is Val’s halla, the best independent record store ever. This is Val Camilletti, about the kindest, most generous person in town.
And Val’s halla is in deep financial trouble with the recession and iTunes and the quaking of the music business. Val’s has fallen into a very hard spot and when, on a recent morning the usually private Val — yeah, we know that seems odd but it is so true — finally told her tale to a friend and customer (all the customers at Val’s are friends), the friend took action.
There’s going to be a fundraiser and it is going to save Val’s halla and set Val Camilletti up to take a fresh crack at a revised business model — more vinyl, performances, online sales.
You can help. You need to help. Instead of wasting money on another sweater to go under some Christmas tree, you are invited to a house party on Dec. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sue and Jim Gill’s Oak Park home. The food will be provided by Melissa Elmo, a noted local foodie. The cost of entry is $100. You need to RSVP to Sue at suegill4@earthlink.net.
If you can’t make the party you can still donate any amount at this website: http://valshallaparty.blogspot.com
We believe Val’s halla is woven into the best of what Oak Park is about. Independent. Fun. Caring. A bit off plumb. Let’s step up for Val. This is going to be some real Christmas magic.