The Chicago Academy for the Arts threw a glittery fundraiser Friday night, bestowing its Distinguished Service Awards for the Arts to the Joffrey Ballet’s Gerald Arpino, Chicago’s Paul and Angel Harvey, actor Brian Dennehy and singer Bobby Short.
The 15th Annual Spring Benefit at the Fairmont Hotel was declared a boffo success, raising more than $150,000 for the school.
The only disappointment was the absence of honoree Short, who couldn’t attend because ofillness. His brother, Reginald, picked up the award on his behalf.
WMAQ-Ch. 5’s Ron Magers emceed.
– The following night, the Erikson Institute honored philanthropist/humanitarian Marjorie Craig Benton for her work as a children’s advocate.
More than 400 attended the black-tie soiree, entitled “The Child Within Each of Us.” Proceeds will go to the institute, which is a private graduate school and research center for advanced study in child development.
– Make Plans Now: Party with “Friends” star David Schwimmer at the premiere of his new flick, “The Pallbearer,” Wednesday. The screening will be at the Sony Theatres Fine Arts, 418 S. Michigan Ave., followed by a party at Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St. Movie tickets only are $25; movie and reception, $75. Call 312-202-4572.
The evening benefits the Lookingglass Theatre Company, which Schwimmer co-founded.
– You can do the fandango at Newberry Library’s Fiesta de Mayo, a black-tie benefit May 4. The party will benefit the library, located at 60 W. Walton St. Among the night’s activities: cocktails, dinner and dancing to Mambo 911, a Latin orchestra. Tickets are $250 each. Call 312-255-3510.
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