One of the most anticipated fundraiser on the Chicago social calendar was The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of Art Institute Chicago’s benefit-A Summer Soiree with Gwyneth Paltrow. This year the sold out gala honoring Gwyneth Paltrow and raising over $410,000 for the film center programming, was co-chaired by Melissa Sage Fadim and Eda Davidman.
One thing SociaLifeChicago has always been fascinated with is what goes into such grand events we cover? Most guests see the final production that’s a result of the hard work of the event team, hotel staff, development team and the event co-chairs.
The job of the Co-Chair is not only to look great day of event, they are tasked with a lot of things behind the scene months, weeks and days leading up to their big night. We had the opportunity to follow Eda Davidman one of the co-chairs of A Summer Soiree with Gwyneth Paltrow as she prepared day of the gala.
Before her appointment at Salon 110, Ms. Davidman shared what all had been done during that week.
“The week started with security walk through of the Hotel and coordinating with the stars security team. We finalized floral and table arrangements, table charts. We went through the Ballroom and walked through the AV setup and the film clips for that night.”
Ms. Davidman’s day of preparation began at 2pm with hair and makeup appointment at Salon 110. First was hair with Jeffrey
I’ve been up since 5am and already got in a 2 hour bike ride and family time
Next was makeup with Tina
Yes it’s called the Rolling stone entrance and it’s under the Ritz hotel
Hair and makeup done, she heads off to the Ritz Carlton Hotel for some last minute prep and pressroom arrival by 5:30pm.
Marios Schwab Sp 2013 Embroidered and pleated dress 
Balenciaga Lucite Bangles
With her husband Barry Missner by her side, her co-chair duties began and the night went off successfully!
Thank you to Eda Davidman for having me tag along on her prep day and for being awesom, supportive and with a great spirit . Thank you to Melissa Sage Fadim and Ellen Sandor for their kind words and support. My hope is to be able to feature this at least once a month. So what did you think?
