Gala season is upon us once again and there are a few must attend events taking place this month of September. When we refer to galas, we are talking about social philanthropic events with a $500 or more ticket pricing. If you’re into supporting future minds, the power of plants or the arts or the opportunity to rub shoulders with the city and tony ‘burbs current power players, this month includes a Who’s Who of Chicago as host committee for After School Matters which usually takes place on a school night; The Woman’s Board of Children’s Home + Aid will host their annual gala and honor Jerri and David Hoffmann. Of note this month is the Art Institute of Chicago’s celebration of acclaimed architect David Adjaye and the amazing DJ Kiss will be spinning so you know you can’t miss it. Can’t spring for a $500+ ticket and don’t work for a company that’s a listed sponsor? no need for FOMO because we will be on the scene bringing you all the action. Now get out your ical, smythson or gallery leather and note these Chicago gala dates. See the gala’s we’ve attended and covered HERE
CHILDREN’S HOME + AID 95th ANNUAL SEPTEMBER GALA
What is it: At their Champions for Children Luncheon in the spring, their keynote speaker was Valerie Jarrett so this is a corporate power playerr type scene. The annual September Gala event, hosted by the Woman’s Board of Children’s Home + Aid, raises funds for their early childhood education program and Rob Johnson of CBS2 will act as the Master of Ceremonies. This is a cause that the corporate community gets behind.
Hosts/Co-chairs: Woman’s Board of Children’s Home + Aid
Sponsors: n/a
Honorees: Jerri and David Hoffmann with the Pauline K. Palmer Award
Date: Friday, September 11
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: $500
Attire: Black Tie
Details: Proceeds from the September Gala will support Children’s Home + Aid’s early childhood programs in the Chicago area including the Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child + Family Center, the Marletta Darnall Schaumburg Child + Family Center and the newly opened Jerri Hoffmann Child + Family Center in Carpentersville, Illinois. Click Here For More Info
Related: Best Dressed on The Scene
ADLER PLANETARIUM CELESTIAL BALL
What is it: Celestial Ball is the Women’s Board’s annual black-tie gala held at the Adler and raises funds for exhibitions, shows and programs that engage the community in doing science and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).. The Women’s Board is the Adler’s lead partner in education, supporting the museum’s education, research, and advocacy missions.
Hosts/Co-chairs: Elisa Primavera-Bailey(President of the Women’s Board) & Chair-Meg Sauer; Co-Chairs – Angie DiCarlo and Mihra Seta
Sponsors: n/a
Honorees: BMO Harris Bank will be recognized with the 2015 Corporate Partner Award
Date: Saturday, September 12
Location: The Adler Planetarium
Time: 6:30 p.m
Cost: $800+
Attire: Black Tie
Details: Guests will enjoy fine cuisine, dancing, and an auction with all proceeds directed to the museum’s effective science education programs. Click Here For More Info
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN HARVEST BALL
What is it: The Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts its annual Harvest Ball a black-tie garden party that begins with a cocktail reception and silent followed by dinner and live auction that features domestic and international packages. Chicago and well heeled suburb(north shore, hinsdale) society support and attend this.
Co-chairs: Katie Kirtley and Erin Ritchie
Sponsors: n/a
Date: Saturday, September 19
Location: The Chicago Botanic Garden
Time: Cocktails, 6 p.m. | Dinner and Dancing, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $550
Attire: black-tie
Details: Proceeds from the 2015 Harvest Ball will support the development of a brand new educational display garden, welcoming families of all backgrounds to the Garden. Click Here For More Info
AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS GALA
What is it: A who’s who list of co-chairs, the After School Matters Annual Gala celebrates the incredible work of teen apprentices while raising important revenue to continue providing over 22,000 program opportunities each year to well-deserving teens throughout Chicago. Even at $1,500 this is one of the most visible and supported fundraisers in part thanks to the legacy and foundation of the late Maggie Daley continued by Mellody Hobson. Power couple, the Robinson’s fly a bit under the radar.
Co-chairs: Mellody Hobson and George Lucas |Gigi Pritzker and Michael A. Pucker | D’Rita and Robbie Robinson | Cari and Michael J. Sacks | Tina and Byron D. Trott
Sponsors: Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Ariel Investments, BDT, GCM Grosvenor, ITW
Date: Monday, September 21
Location: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue
Time: 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception & Teen Gallery, 7:00 p.m. Teen Performance & Dinner
Cost: $1,500+
Attire: Business
Details: Last year’s Gala had close to 1,000 guests and aised $4.5 million including an incredibly generous donation of $1 million from Derrick Rose. After School Matters aims to provide 23,000 unique after-school and summer program opportunities for Chicago high school teens this year.
Funds raised through our Annual Gala will give these teens a life-changing
experience and a path to a bright future. Click Here For More Info
Related: Decoding The Dress Code: Menswear
OPENING CELEBRATION OF “Making Place: The Architecture of David Adjaye”
What is it: Celebrate the exhibition opening of Making Place: The Architecture of David Adjaye—with the artist—at an exclusive event that benefits the Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC). Join Adjaye, cultural and civic leaders, and other renowned contemporary artists from around the world for an extraordinary evening of art and design. A first look at the exhibition, led by curators, is followed by an elegant dinner in the Modern Wing’s dramatic Griffin Court.
Hosts/Co-chairs: The Art Institute of Chicago and Douglas Druick
Sponsors: Allstate Insurance Company, GCM Grosvenor, BMO Private Bank, and Merrill Lynch.
Honorees: Acclaimed architect David Adjaye.
Date: Friday September 18
Location: Modern Wing 159 East Monroe St.
Time: 6pm VIP Reception | 7pm Opening Celebration Event until 11pm
Cost: $1,000 VIP (includes reception, preferred seating, and exhibition catalogue) | $350 General Admission
Attire: Cocktail
Details: Festivities continue with a globally renowned DJ Kiss, ensuring this unforgettable party extends well into the night. The Art Institute of Chicago is the only North American venue for this pioneering show, which precedes the highly anticipated opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), designed by Adjaye Associates, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Click Here For More Info
Have an event coming up we should have on our radar? Email details (What, Where, Cost, Time etc) to: calendar@socialifechicago.com
