Alexian Ball de Fleur gala takes place at zoo
This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Clay Ciha.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my!
Such exotic animals at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo will form the backdrop of this year's Alexian Brothers Foundation major fundraiser, its signature Ball de Fleur.
Organizers are calling it a "Safari Under the Stars." Guests will wind through some of the zoo's exhibits, including its Regenstein Macaque Forest and the Kovler sea pool, before arriving at a heated tent. There, they will enjoy a four-course meal, have the chance to bid on auction packages and dance to hits performed by the band TC Squared.
The event, set for Saturday, May 5, begins at 6 p.m. at the zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Complimentary valet parking is available. Attire is black-tie optional.
More than 400 guests are expected to attend this year's gala, including physicians, business partners and supporters of the nine hospitals that form the AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System, which is based in Arlington Heights.
Funds raised during the evening will help provide more access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
"It's incredibly timely," said Melanie Furlan, vice president of advancement for the Alexian Brothers Foundation.
"There is more and more awareness of the need for these services. It's part of the national conversation, and as a health system, we have a long-term commitment to it."
In fact, proceeds from this year's ball continue a multiyear, $28 million pledge toward the foundation's "One Life at a Time" campaign. Its vision, Furlan says, it to end the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse treatment.
"We envision a future where everyone has access to behavioral health services, regardless of their ability to pay," she said.
The health system provides those services at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, the Alexian Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights, its new Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center, which opened last year in Elk Grove Village, and through the Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance located in Chicago and Waukegan.
The health system also has mental health workers in 20 schools in the Northwest suburbs, Furlan adds.
Clay Ciha, president and CEO of the behavioral health hospital, says the AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System is committed to reaching more individuals and families in its communities who need specialized services.
"As the 10th largest provider of behavioral medicine services in the United States, AMITA Health is in a unique position to address this growing need for care," he said.
Tickets for the Ball de Fleur are $500 each and can be purchased by visiting alexianfoundation.org or calling (847) 385-7304.
AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System formed in 2015 with the merger of Adventist Midwest Health, based in Hinsdale, and Alexian Brothers Health System, based in Arlington Heights.
The system encompasses nine hospitals across the Northwest and Western suburbs and a network of more than 3,000 physicians.