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Alexian gala reaches for the sky
Mindy Doumani of Hoffman Estates and Dr. Warren Pierce of South Barrington. | Laura Pavin~For Sun-Times Media
26th Annual Ball De Fleur
WHEN: May 5, 2012
WHERE: Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom, Chicago
BENEFITTING: Alexian Brothers Foundation’s Hospice Residence in Elk Grove Village, Center for Mental Health and AIDS Ministry
ATTENDED: 500+
RAISED: $375,000
HIGHLIGHTS: Grammy award-winning singer Florence LaRue and the 5th Dimension were featured entertainment for the evening.
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Updated: July 16, 2012 5:49PM
Navy Pier’s grand ballroom lit up as it filled with more than 500 guests attending the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s Up, Up and Away 26th Annual Ball De Fleur May 5, which this year benefited the foundation’s Hospice Residence in Elk Grove Village.
Grammy award-winning singer Florence LaRue and the 5th Dimension made the evening sparkle, ending the foundation’s nine-year gap without a headlining entertainer; Jay Leno and singer Paul Anka were among previous headliners.
Lights lined the ballroom’s ceiling and stopped at the stage where two large screens played video testimonials about hospice care and its ability to bring comfort, self-respect and tranquility to dying patients.
The ballroom’s 50 large tables were dressed for the occasion with hot air balloons and flower centerpieces. The auction tables displayed an array of coveted sports paraphernalia, including Brian Urlacher’s autographed Bear Hug poster.
“While this event is very fun, it’s really about helping to build the hospice that’s set to open in Elk Grove Village next summer,” said Melanie Furlan, vice president of advancement.
To help reach its net goal of $375,000, the foundation held silent and live auctions for paintings and excursions such as a Napa Valley wine country hot air balloon experience, tickets to the June 6, 2012 Country Music Television Music Awards and a 10-night European vacation. Winning bidders took home priceless opportunities in exchange for a significant donation that directly benefited the foundation’s causes.
Another percentage of the money raised from the ball went toward the foundation’s existing Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights, as well as Alexian’s AIDS Ministries in Chicago and Waukegan.
In total, the event netted about $375,000 for the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s Hospice Residence, Center for Mental Health and AIDS Ministry.
For more information, visit alexianfoundation.org.
