Bosses go behind the bar for Rolling Meadows fundraiser

Bill Sanders ordered a marshmallow-flavored vodka and Coke Thursday night at The Stadium bar in Rolling Meadows — but the man fixing his drink wasn't someone he's used to seeing behind the bar.

For two hours only, Sanders' boss at Northrop Grumman, Jeff Palombo, and other local business leaders were mixing cocktails, pouring beer, and collecting tips for the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce's Celebrity Server event.

The fourth annual after-hours networking event featured five celebrity bartenders competing to see who could collect the most tips, with proceeds going to the chamber for its programming events throughout the year.

Each boss was encouraged to invite his or her employees — all while encouraging them to tip generously.

“That's the best thing about it is having your boss make you a drink,” said Sanders, a manager in the graphics and reproduction department at Northrop Grumman.

The fundraiser, attended by about 100 people, was expected to bring in about $1,200.

“The employees meet the chamber members, and the chamber members meet the employees,” said Linda Ballantine, the chamber's executive director. “They commingle, and it's wonderful.”