The Scene Around Town, Across Town is a compilation of events in Chicago and beyond, that though we were unable to attend, are still worth talking about.
Event: Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show Preview Party
Host/Co-Chairs: Co-chairs Louellen Murray of Lake Forest and Kim Visokey of Winnetka
Date: February 18
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden
The scoop: More than 285 guests in attendance, Beam Suntory, Bonterra Organic Vineyards and Lagunitas Brewing Company generously donated the evening’s spirits, wines and beers. Chris Forte jazz ensemble provided the soundtrack for the evening in Nichols Hall. More than $35,000 was raised toward “Growing the Future,” the Woman’s Board’s $1 million pledge to the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Event: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Illinois Young Leadership Committee Red Carpet Event
Host/Co-Chairs: Host Ashley Petit
Date: February 22
The scoop: The event raised more than $16,000 in support of the JDRF and their programming.
Event: The Women’s Board of Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association(CSOA) Presents: REMIX V: RED HOT
Host/Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs Elizabeth Foster and Leigh Ann Herman
Date: February 27
Where: School of the Art Institute’s Ballroom (112 S. Michigan Avenue)
The scoop: CSOA Women’s Board hosted a New Orleans style fundraising event inspired by the roaring ‘20s and jazz’s gilded age. Music from powerhouse vocalist Lynne Jordan and The Shivers; signature drinks included the Jazz Sling,Southern Punch and guests capped off the evening with sweet Beignets treats a la mode and dancing.
Exclusive items from the one of a kind raffle included a luxurious weekend for two in Paris at the Mandarin Oriental which includes a private guided tour of newly-restored, 18-century Decorative Arts Gallery at the Louvre. Funds raised supports the CSO’s Citizen Musician activities that brings classical music to underserved communities.
Event: Camp Kesem’s The Magic Ball
Host/Co-Chairs: Host Susanna Negovan
Date of event: Saturday, March 7, 2015
Where: Redmoon Theater-2120 South Jefferson Street
The scoop: The inaugural Magic Ball event replaced Camp Kesem’s Family Night at the Field Museum and raised over $735,000 which will go towards free summer camping experiences for nearly 1,500 additional children this summer. Live auction packages included an adventure to Whistler Mountain and two dream vacations to Napa Valley. Musical entertainment by the Don Cagen Orchestra. All proceeds benefit Camp Kesem and its nationwide network of free summer camps to children touched by a parent’s cancer.
Event: Jarrett Payton’s “Strike Against Bullying” Celebrity Bowling Tournament
Date: March 2
Where: Kings Rosemont Bowling & Entertainment
The scoop: Jarrett Payton, son of Chicago Bears legend the late Walter Payton, partnered with Kings Bowl for the first ever “Strike Against Bullying” celebrity bowling tournament held at Kings in Rosemont. Celebrity guests in attendance included Jarrett Payton, George McCaskey, Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Israel Idonije, Jerry Azumah, Rashied Davis, Peggy Kusinski, Ryan Baker, Dionne Miller, John Garcia, David Haugh, David Kaplan, Jim Cornelison and Chris Boden. The event raised more than $18,000 for the Jarrett Payton Foundation’s anti-bullying programs.
*image credits: Bob Carl
