Alexian annual gala brings in more than $360,000
With a full moon shining over Lake Michigan and hot air balloons afloat in the Grand Ballroom, the Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur lived up to its expectations Saturday, May 5.
The Alexian Brothers Foundation, headquartered in Arlington Heights, hosted the philanthropic gala at Chicago's Navy Pier, which attracted more than 500 guests and raised more than $360,000.
"Up, Up and Away" carried the theme for the 26th annual Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur and proceeds have been earmarked for three key health care programs - the opening of the Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence in Elk Grove Village, which will break ground in June; the Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry in Chicago and Waukegan, which has been serving the afflicted for more than 20 years; and the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights that first began more than 50 years ago to help community members with emotional issues and chronic mental illness.
Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension brought the many guests to their feet with a 90-minute set of Grammy Award-winning favorites like "One Less Bell to Answer," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Up, Up and Away," and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In."
Guests even went up onstage to show off their dance moves, including Alexian Brothers Foundation Chairman Dominic Mangone and Dr. Martin Boyer.
Alexian Brothers Health System President and CEO Mark A. Frey welcomed the guests and recognized the Diamond Sponsors, including three local companies - TrueCare of Schaumburg, Mr. David's Flooring International Ltd., of Itasca and MEA of TEAMHealth in Oakbrook Terrace - as well as the Mangone Family, each contributing $50,000.
"This evening is a reminder of the mission that keeps us aloft, to deliver Alexian Brothers holistic health care and healing to members of our community," said Frey.
"We were especially excited to spotlight a national world class entertainment group, and Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension truly helped to make the evening a celebration of the passion and commitment of the Alexian Brothers and all those that carry out the mission to help those in need."
The evening also included a silent auction with sports memorabilia and event tickets such as a custom framed Derrick Rose autographed jersey, as well as in-home dinner party for eight prepared by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs, and a four-night trip to the Cayman Islands. Guests also bid on 11 live auction items including:
Ÿ A Napa Valley Wine Country Hot Air Balloon Experience, including round trip airfare and 3-night resort and spa stay;
Ÿ A $1,000 shopping spree at Bloomingdale's in Los Angeles with a personal shopper, and three nights at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica or Newport Beach;
Ÿ Tickets to the 2012 CMT Country Music Awards, the Welcome Reception and Pre-Party Reception, as well as a 3-night stay at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville;
Ÿ Aloha! Paradise Awaits trip with a 7-night stay at the Hyatt Hotel and round-trip airfare for two;
Ÿ Pick Your Country and Get Packing - 10-Night European Vacation with round-trip airfare for two and 10-night stay at a Marriott or Renaissance Hotel.
This is the second year the Alexian Ball de Fleur has been held at Navy Pier. Throughout its 25-year history of hosting philanthropic galas, the Alexian Brothers Foundation has raised more than $6 million for a variety of health care programs affiliated with the suburban-based health system.
The Alexian Brothers are a Catholic order of men who originated in the 13th Century and came to America in 1866 providing holistic health care with dignity and compassion to all those in need. The Alexian Brothers' healing ministry and values of dignity, care of the poor, compassion, holism and partnership have been in action for more than 800 years.