The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of my favourite institutions in Chicago, shhhh the Northshore is still Chicago. I remember when I was younger and I had a science project on leaves and my dad drove us out there and we spent most of the day just wandering and having fun. I am not much of a gardener but I definitely love to admire beautiful plants, flower and anything horticulture related and they fact that they have so many initiatives where they teach understanding and conservation of plants is
Recently the Chicago Botanic Garden along with over 350 guests gathered to celebrate the Garden’s 40th anniversary( it opened to the public in 1972) at the ninth annual Summer Dinner Dance which raised $500,000 for the Garden’s conservation, education and research programs.
2012 Summer Dinner Dance co-chairs, Richard and Helen Thomas, Timothy and Elizabeth Dugan, Chicago Botanic Garden President & CEO Sophia Siskel and Jon Siskel, Tricia and William Hagenah
The black-tie soiree began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served in the Linden Alleé, followed by an intimate dinner dance in an elegant pavilion in the Rose Garden. The Summer Dinner Dance is one of the most talked about events on the North Shore.
Heffernan, Morgan, Inc. created the beautiful setting inside the pavilion with pink and red roses to reflect the surrounding Rose Garden. Calihan Catering catered the dinner and appetizers. The Ken Arlen Orchestra played while guests danced the night away.
The Committee for The Summer Dinner Dance was co-chaired by Elizabeth & Timothy Dugan of Kenilworth, Tricia & Will Hagenah of Kenilworth and Helen & Dick Thomas of Winnetka. The 2012 Summer Dinner Dance was sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Traci Mansur, Maria Smithburg, Jerri Hoffman 
Harry and Carolynn Pfaff , John Harris, Ann Tucker
Tim Dugan, Cassie Spencer, Mary James, Steven Gavin
Dave and Marcy Gookin, Savi Pai , Howard Randell 
Carolyn, Andy, and Heather Wright
** All pictures: Robert F. Carl
