492 guests entered the doors of the Hilton Chicago and celebrated the 62nd Anniversary of the Woman’s Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago at a May 20th black-tie gala.  The theme of this year’s fundraising event was "The Sky’s the Limit!" to represent the important aspirations of Chicago’s most vulnerable children and the BGCC programs that help make their dreams a reality.  More than $1.38 million was raised by the Woman’s Board for the organization, which provides life-enhancing programs and a safe haven to more than 10,000 Chicago-area youth.

 

Sponsors included The Gantz Family Foundation, Abbott Laboratories, Alberto Culver, Illinois Tool Works, Caron and Alan Lacy, Merge Healthcare/ Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Ferro, Jr., Mills Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Fortune Brands, Terlato Wine Group, Mrs. Liz Stiffel and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce White.

 

The evening celebrated the generous community support of the young people served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and their promising futures. A celestial ambiance was provided by Ronsley and illuminated the Grand Ballroom in shades of blue.  Boys & Girls Clubs President James Keane opened the evening program thanking donors for their support and acknowledged Summer Ball Co-Chairs Kathy Carbonari and Debbie Terlato for their hard work over the past year. They toasted the Woman’s Board for their tireless support of the mission of the organization.

 

The 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception featured specialty bars provided by Makers Mark and Effen Vodka, which served Sparkling Effen-tinis to begin the celebration. There was also an exciting silent auction that utilized a state-of-the-art remote bidding system and included many unique and priceless sports tickets and travel. Packages included a trip for four to Napa Valley that consisted of private tours and tastings at Rutherford Hill Winery, Hanna Winery and Chimney Rock Winery, a trip for four to the U.S. Open men’s final, and a one-week stay at a villa in Tuscany. Items from Neiman Marcus Northbrook, Sidney Garber Fine Jewelry and Gibson’s Restaurant Group were also featured.

Dinner included wines provided by Terlato Wine Group. After dinner, Party on the Moon began their performance and guests hit the dance floor for the duration of the evening. After the event, each guest departed with sandcast aluminum cocktail napkin holder and weight courtesy of Alberto Culver.  Guests included The Honorable William Marovtiz and Ms. Christie Hefner, Mr. and Mrs. Norman R. Bobins, Mr. Craig Duchossois, Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes, Mr. and Mrs. King Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Ferro, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. William Perez and Mr. and Mrs. James O’Connor. 

 

Since 1902, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago has been an anchor of hope, stability and opportunity in the often chaotic lives of youth.  Boys & Girls Clubs is one of the largest youth-serving, non-profit organizations in the Chicago-area, serving over 10,000 young people at 16 after-school Clubs. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, please call Scott Lorenz at 312.235.8025 or visit www.bgcc.org.