More than 200 sweethearts in glittering gowns and black ties wined, dined and danced to the theme of “The Great Love Affairs of Film” at the 11th annual Sweetheart Ball, hosted by the Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The guests were greeted by Rhett and Scarlet, Belle and the Beast, but the evening was more than a celebration of the great love affairs of film.
The gala also was a coming home party. After traveling to the Seville in Streamwood for the last 10 years, the elegant event returned to Cardunal territory at Spring Hill Mall’s Center Court in West Dundee.
“We’re finally able to get back into the community,” said Fern Risley, chairwoman of the ball. “People feel a sense of community by being here.”
The Cardunal Area Chamber represents businesses from the Carpentersville, Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts, Algonquin and Lake-in-the-Hills region. Money raised from the $45-a-person ticket will help fund the chamber’s community activities, including the Dundee Township Tourist Center and beautification projects.
Couples strolled along a “walk of stars,” pointing out favorites such as Clark Gable and Myrna Loy. Guests dined on filet mignon and chicken breast, catered by Floyd’s Restaurant in Carpentersville, and danced to the Eric Hochberg Orchestra, featuring Mark Boettcher, director of the jazz band at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville.
At a silent auction, Ronald Pecora of Elgin considered tickets to Medieval Times. “(We’ve) got to go to Medieval Times. The wenches come up and serve you. We’re going to win it.”
Lori Pecora, Ronald’s wife, had other ideas as she eyed a Precious Moments figurine and a gold necklace.
To top off the evening, Carpentersville resident Doris Zaccard, co-owner of Photography by Ron Zaccard of Carpentersville, received the chamber’s volunteer of the year award for 10 years of community service. And for contributions to the annual community paint-a-thon and a $10,000 donation for a toddler playground in Carpentersville, McWhorter Inc. of Carpentersville was named the business of the year.
