Do you know what it’s like to have a loved one admitted to the hospital for a prolonged period of time? It’s something no parent ever wants for their child. And when one member is in pain, it impacts the whole unit.
More than 160 caring individuals make up the Family Services team at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. With extensive resources and programs tailored to address the specific needs of each child and family member, the department strives to make each individual’s stay a little easier; with the goal of helping kids be kids and families be families.
The Department of Family Services encompasses a wide range of programs and services, including child life specialists, social workers, art and music therapy, school services, activity coordinators, and more. It relies almost solely on philanthropic efforts, like the annual Gold Coast Fashion Award Show (GCFAS).
The high fashion runway affair is hosted by the Children’s Service Board (CSB) of Lurie Children’s Hospital. This year, the event celebrated 63 years, raising more than $1.2 million in support of its new fundraising campaign to raise $2.5 million over the next two years for the Department of Family Services.
This signature fundraising event was held Sept. 27 at the hip, converted warehouse space Revel Fulton Market. The season’s hottest trends were showcased from steadfast retail sponsor Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.
The CSB honored the School Services program and veteran teacher Pat Ebervein, M. Ed. with the second annual Children’s Service Board Award of Excellence.
The cocktail reception featured beverages and signature cocktails from Almighty Spirits, Bonanno Wine, DGL Distributors, Inc., Ravinia Brewing Company, and Vitani Spirits. Appetizers from a variety of Chicago restaurants were served, including small bites from Aba, Amy Beck Cake Design, Angelo Gelato Italiano, Bear Stewart, Big Bowl, Sweet Mandy B’s, DineAmic Group: Barrio, Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Four Corners, Francesca’s Restaurants, Le Colonial, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Rosebud, Shore Club, Steak 48, Theory, Wildfire, and Wao Bao.
The festivities came to a close with a paddle raise and live auction featuring high-end prizes such as a luxury trip, private dinner with a famous chef, and the ultimate Chicago sports package.
The fashion show was made possible thanks to the generous support of Clune Construction Company, Reed Smith LLP, JLL, CIBC, and Turner Construction Company. The 2018 co-chairs included Allyson Becker and Alison Heyman, and the Children’s Service Board President Megan Hodes.
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.
