About 185 Anglophiles turned out Friday night for the Ascot Ball, a benefit at the Casino Club hosted by the Chicago branch of the English-Speaking Union. The record turn-out was credited to chairs Mamie Walton and society bandleader Stanley Paul. At the request of the chairs, guests were garbed in black and white, a tribute to the Ascot scene in “My Fair Lady.”
The elegant affair began with a cocktail hour. The fun really began, though, when the ballroom doors opened and Stanley Paul (doing double duty) and his orchestra played and guests danced before dinner. English-Speaking Union Board of Governors president Loretta Foxgrover introduced British Consul General Michael Hodge and Canadian Consul General Christopher Poole before sitting down to a real British dinner.
Whenwas the last time you were served fresh crab in jellied tomato? That was followed by rack of lamb and topped off with chocolate souffle.
No British evening would be complete without a champagne toast to the Queen, of course, along with a bagpipe solo by Kim Mecado.
Tickets to the gala were $250 per person; money raised will go to the Union’s scholarship program for college and graduate students. The English-Speaking Union of the United States promotes scholarships and the advancement of knowledge through the effective use of English in the global community.
– Salute ’98, an annual gala organized by the benefit committee of Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn raised nearly $130,000. About 500 people were on hand for the event, held in May in the Crystal Garden at Navy Pier. Funds raised go to the Women and Infants’ Health Services.
Recognized were Daniel V. Girzadas Sr., M.D., as outstanding physician leader, and Illinois Sen. Patrick J. O’Malley as outstanding community leader. The black-tie affair sported a nautical theme.
– Tickets still are available for the Volunteers of America of Illinois’ sixth annual benefit, “Jazzin’ July” on July 12.
The champagne brunch, sponsored by WGN-TV’s Children’s Charities, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, will be hosted by Merri Dee. The theme is Mardi Gras, and guests will dine from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton.
Tickets are $50 per person. Call 312-707-8707, ext. 166 for more information.
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