Date: Friday, September 5, 2008
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Gala of the Arts, which supports the agency’s extensive Emergency Assistance Program serving people in crisis, debuts a new venue featuring a Broadway-themed performance and visual art.
The seventh annual Gala is at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom. The Gala will showcase a celebration of performing artists as well as local and regional visual artists who will have pieces for sale. Also, the night will feature an encore exhibit and sale of photography by guests of Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers who have participated in the Visions of My Life photography program.
Gala guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they mill about the historic and spacious Grand Ballroom at the east end of Navy Pier viewing artwork for purchase and bidding on an array of entertainment-themed silent auction items. Guests will then enjoy dinner followed by the premiere performance of “Gala Goes Broadway” musical revue featuring local professional talent. Afterwards guests will enjoy desserts and cordials as they enjoy a special performance by Chicago singer, Jimmy Damon.
The Gala of the Arts fundraiser returns to its visual arts roots and presents works of 11 Chicago area artists covering several media including oil, drawings, portraits, landscapes, still life and photography. Each professional artist will display several works which will be available for purchase.
Catholic Charities’ Emergency Assistance Program serves more than 160,000 individuals and families in crisis with food, shelter, clothing and supportive services through eight service centers located throughout Cook and Lake counties.
In addition, several guests of Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers participating in the Visions of My Life photography program will display their photographs illustrating life through their eyes on the streets of the city. For the last six years, program participants have been provided with basic instruction in photography as well as disposable cameras that they are encouraged to use to capture photographic moments in their lives. These photographs are shown at an annual exhibition in June and now additionally at the Gala of the Arts. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these photographswork will go directly to the photographer and the balance supports Catholic Charities ongoing Emergency Assistance Programs.
Susanne and Mark Tunney, of Oak Park, are the Gala chaircouple. Fifth Third Bank continues as the presenting sponsor for the event.
Cocktails and art sale begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Black Tie optional. Dinner and entertainment follow beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $250 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Elizabeth Atchason at 312-655-7912 or via email at eatchason@catholiccharities.net.Tickets may also be purchased online at www.galaofthearts.com or www.catholiccharities.net/galaofthearts.
Now in its 91sth year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the largest private, not-for-profit social service agencies in the Midwest, annually touching the lives of 1.1 million people in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities.
