An outdoor party pretty much lives or dies by the weather, so organizers of Friday night’s Zoo Ball at the Lincoln Park Zoo were especially grateful for the clear skies and cool breeze.
Last year temperatures were at a miserable, makeup melting 103 degrees on event day. So it was no surprise that weather was the main topic of conversation at this year’s ball, which is now in its 19th year.
One guest said to co-chair Jayne Lewis, “You must have willed this weather.”
“We’ve been on our prayer rugs all year,” Lewis shot back.
About 850 guests sat under white tents, erected on the main mall of the zoo. They dined on beef and potatoes, and danced to the Bradley Young Orchestra.
The zoo’s woman’s board sponsored the event. Heading up the gala were chairman Helen Applegate and co-chair Stephanie Hochfelder.
Proceeds–about $300,000–will go to ongoing projects, upkeep of the animals, and will help keep the zoo admission free.
– “ER” regulars Ellen Crawford (Nurse Lydia Wright), Conni Marie Brazelton (Nurse Conny Oligari) and Michael Genovese (Officer Al Grabarski) were on hand Saturday night to help raise funds for Mt. Sinai Medical Institute Council’s Emergency and Trauma Center.
The party–dubbed “ER: The Trauma Drama of 1996”–was held at the Hotel Nikko, and drew about 600 physicians and supporters. As the stars mingled and posed for photos, partygoers noshed on a buffet and danced to jazz. In keeping with the evening’s theme, guests were given plastic hospital ID bracelets, and on each table were plastic stethoscopes and paper slippers.
UPCOMING
Celebrate the summer harvest of vegetables and herbs grown as part of the Cabrini Greens gardening program for inner-city youths Tuesday at Michael Jordan’s Restaurant, 50 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner at 7:30 featuring veggies from the garden. Proceeds go to the garden program, which teaches children a variety of skills. The event is sponsored by the Junior League of Chicago. Tickets ($150 per person) are available by calling 312-664-4462.
– On Sept. 8, the Chicago Dance Coalition plans to honor a group of artists at its 11th annual Ruth Page Awards at the Hotel Nikko. Recipients include Sara Ayers of the River North Dance Company, Dardi McGinley Gallivan of Mordine & Company Dance Theatre and Ron de Jesus of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Dinner is included in the program, and tickets are $100 to $150 per person. Tickets for the awards ceremony only are available for $25. For information, call 312-419-8384.
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