Tim West, a junior at Providence-St. Mel High School, spoke about how principal Paul Adams had changed his life when Adams was honored as “Man of the Year” Saturday by the Chicago Area Council 118 of the Boy Scouts of America.
The award was bestowed at a benefit dance at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, where Kevin Morrisette and his band provided entertainment. More than $26,000 was raised to support the DuSable District, a network of 70 Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout packs, many in public housing developments. Although the hour was a little late for most Scouts, an honor guard from one of the troops was on hand for the presentation of colors.
– The lobby of the historic Santa Fe Building on South Michigan Avenue was transformed into a “tone-on-tone, cream-coated cocoon for fashion” for the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Aug. 8 benefit fashion show of Saks Fifth Avenue’s new collection of international evening wear.
Combining the worlds of architecture and fashion, seven models in variations of the LBD (little black dress) were escorted down the grand staircase by some of Chicago’s top architects. Neena Ivon’s 30 years as fashion director of Saks were marked with proclamations signed by Mayor Richard Daley and Gov. Jim Edgar noting her contributions to the city and the state. More than $20,000 was raised for the foundation’s educational programs.
– The Paramount Arts Centre’s black-tie-optional Gala on Saturday will feature Bill Cosby and dozens of decadent desserts. The $100 tickets will include Cosby’s performance as well as desserts, champagne and dancing; the Paramount hopes to raise $30,000 for programming and for maintaining the historic theater.
For tickets and information, call 708-896-6666.
– After a relatively quiet summer, things will start to pick up the weekend after Labor Day. On Sept. 8, the Women’s Board of Children’s Home and Aid Society of Illinois will hold its Diamond Anniversary Ball at the Drake Hotel, an appropriate choice since both the Drake and the society are celebrating 75th anniversaries this year. For more information about the benefit, call the society at 312-424-6813. Tickets are $250. . . . Also on Sept. 8, the Auxiliary Society of the John G. Shedd Aquarium will host “A Night in Atlantis” at the aquarium. The $90 price covers cocktails, a buffet dinner and dancing. Call 312-986-2313. . . . The 15th anniversary Columbian Ball for the Museum of Science and Industry is set for Sept. 9; the embossed, ribbon-tied invites are keepers.
– Budget bash: Tickets are only $25 for the Council for Physically Challenged Children’s Aug. 27 “Family Comedy” benefit at Second City, 1616 N. Wells St. The afternoon will feature a musical performance by Chicago’s Happiness Club, followed by Second City’s “No Height Requirement” show. The council was founded in 1934 to give disabled Chicagoland kids the opportunity to learn and play in an overnight summer camp. For information and reservations, call the council at 708-539-2267.
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