One-hundredth anniversaries call for dinner, dancing, and why not throw in a few diamonds? In honor of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs’ upcoming milestone, the 41st annual “Made in Chicago” Gala served as its centennial celebration. Held at the Union League Club on Nov. 3, the evening raised more than $300,000 for the organization’s after-school programming.
Union League Boys & Girls Clubs have been an agent for change for Chicago youth since 1919. Last year alone, its clubs served over 14,000 young people throughout Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, South Lawndale, and Englewood.
WGN-TV’s Micah Materre served as emcee for the evening. In commemorating the big anniversary, the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs’ 100th anniversary logo was presented. The evening included dinner, dancing, and a live auction with a special “Diamond Drop Drawing.” Guests were invited to purchase a glass of fine champagne for the chance to win diamonds valued at $8,000 from C.D. Peacock. The evening came to a sweet close with a decadent “After-Glow” dessert bar.
The 2018 “Made in Chicago” Gala was made possible thanks to Board President Craig Labus, Chair Margaret Jahn, as well as committee members: Stacy Fleming, Cosmin Lucaci, Tim Cunningham, Nancy Ross, Anne Rossely, Lynne Rinkoski, Lindsey Rosenfield, Cindy Doloughty, Gail Kiss, Catherine Bernardi, Linda Jakubs, Lisa Shade, Heidi Shade, Erica Rickey, and Celine Fitzgerald.
Generous sponsors included C.D. Peacock, Ron and Elizabeth Bernardi of Bernardi Securities Inc., BMO Wealth Management, Peak Construction, MaxMara, Craig and Anita Labus, Jimmy and Ginger Meyer, Peck Ritchey, The Shade Family Foundation, and Young Innovations, Inc.
Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
