Lithgow fills in at Monarch Ball
Award-winning actor John Lithgow showed his versatility Saturday, when at the last minute he stepped in to headline the Monarch Ball, a black-tie benefit for the Resurrection Health Care system.
Lithgow replaced comedian Bob Newhart, who was unable to make it, and he looked as comfortable as ever, performing in front of 1,300 guests gathered at the Hilton Chicago ballroom.
Best known for his roles in "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," and on the NBC-TV hit comedy, "3rd Rock from the Sun," Lithgow shared experiences from his memorable performances, and read excerpts from his latest children's book, "Mahalia Mouse Goes to College."
Lithgow shared top billing with Cardinal Francis George, who attended and served as honorary chairman of the event.
George delivered an inspirational message to supporters of Resurrection Health Care facilities, which are co-sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection, and include Holy Family Medical Center and Holy Family Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Des Plaines, among others.
The Monarch Ball takes its name from the monarch butterfly, the symbol for Resurrection Health Care's many hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, home health services, behavioral health programs throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
Yet at Saturday's ball, guests arrived to find a secret garden theme for the evening. Consequently they found the first two ballrooms they entered transformed into gardens, including a rose garden, water garden and even an exotic one.
Once they entered the main ballroom, a living fountain stood in the middle of the dance floor, looking every bit like Buckingham fountain before their very eyes.
Jeff and Molly Karp of Crystal Lake served as co-chairs of the event. Jeff Karp is the president of Power Construction Company in Schaumburg, which has supported the Monarch Ball since 1995.
Proceeds from the event will support patient care services and capital improvements throughout the system. Among these projects is the Patient Care Pavilion at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, slated for completion in 2010.