More than 600 of the most influential and philanthropic Chicagoans kicked off summer on June 1 with the Woman’s Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago at the 63rd annual summer gala, themed this year as "Aqua Ball." The sold-out event at the luxurious Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel of Chicago raised nearly $1.5 million exceeding expectations. Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago was one of the first nonprofits to host an event at the coveted Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel of Chicago.

 

A highlight of the evening was when recent high school graduate and Gen. Robert E. Wood Club member Nora Martinez, who recently was selected Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's Youth of the Year, spoke about her experience and recent honor.  Thanks to the support of the Club, Martinez will be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago next year.

 

Surprises of the evening included a visit by the highly acclaimed musical act "The Three Waiters," who surprised guests by disguising themselves as waiters and then performing as tenors.  

 

The "blue-themed" event was chaired by Mrs. Homi B. Patel (Anne) and Mrs. Larry D. Richman (Corinne), both dedicated members of the nonprofit’s Woman’s Board. Mrs. Michael W. Ferro, Jr. (Jacqueline) oversees the Woman’s Board as president. 

 

The nonprofit is one of the largest youth serving organizations in Chicago serving nearly 10,000 youth. The Chicago Sun -Times was the official media partner of the event.