On one table was a basketball autographed by Chicago Bull Michael Jordan and a hockey jersey autographed by Chris Chelios of the Chicago Blackhawks, but the event last weekend at the Holiday Inn in Harvey had nothing to do with sports.
At another table, services such as plumbing, massage therapy and furniture reupholstery were being auctioned off, but the event had absolutely no connection to any local chamber of commerce.
Vacations galore were also available, but this had nothing to do with travel either.
Quiz over. The event was the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s largest fundraiser of the year. Called “Club Fanfare,” the event was attended by about 350 people.
“(The orchestra) is the premier educational and cultural institution in the south and southwest suburbs,” explained Bryan Orr of Flossmoor.
In the center of the ballroom was a dance floor where dozens grooved to the oldies played by In The Mood. To the right was an abundance of food.
The left side of the room, though, was where the action was. Close to 250 items were available at auction, all of them donated by local businesses and residents to benefit the orchestra. Belinda Sohn of Country Club Hills put in bids for jewelry, cowboy boots and an opportunity to be a chef at a local restaurant for an evening.
The proceeds from the auction-expected to be about $60,000-help finance the Philharmonic’s five annual orchestra concerts and three chamber concerts, its participation in community events, and its work with grammar and high school students. During the year, the orchestra spends about $500,000, about $350,000 of which is raised through several fundraisers.
According to Bruce and Lynn Werth of Homewood, the value of the orchestra makes contributing to it a good investment.
“For some period of time, there has been a stigma in the south suburbs that culture is lacking here,” said Bruce Werth. “This (event) is a statement that culture is alive and well in the south suburbs.”
Wife Lynn was more pragmatic. “It’s the only place we can hear a live symphony without schlepping into Chicago,” she said.
By the way, this audience bid more for Chelios’ jersey ($350) than Jordan’s basketball ($250). Sorry, Michael.
