Charities beneficiaries of Chicago Auto Show's test drive

Champagne, live musical combos, and lavish hors d'oeuvre stations, all set against the sleek backdrop of the 1,000 new vehicles, including dozens making their international debut. Who could ask for anything more?

That's the draw for guests attending the "First Look For Charity" coming up on Feb. 7 at the Chicago Auto Show, the night before it opens to the general public. That and supporting their favorite charity.

This year, 18 charities benefit from the black-tie event, which last year raised more than $2.5 million for the human service agencies. They include: Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, Autism Speaks, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Campagna Academy, Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago, which takes in Wellness Place in Palatine; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Joliet Diocese, Children's Memorial Hospital, Clearbrook, The Cradle, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Misericordia Heart of Mercy, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Spina Bifida Association of Illinois, and St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation.

Wellness Place supporters are attending for the fourth year, along with the other three cancer centers run by the Cancer Health Alliance. Last year, collectively, they sold 350 tickets, and earned nearly $60,000.

"It's fabulous that they do this for us," says Stephanie Brunner, of Wellness Place. "It's an honor to be included, and receive all of this support."

This year, the bash takes on even more significance. The Auto Show celebrates its 100th anniversary -- the first in the world to reach that milestone -- which makes the buzz at the show, palpable, officials say.

Consequently, the hors d'oeuvre stations at the First Look event will be designed around the theme of the World's Columbian Exposition -- the 1893 Chicago World's Fair -- the last of the 19th century world's fairs.

Guests will graze over delicacies from around the world, including France, Italy, Brazil, Spain and Morocco, as well as a rich assortment of dessert and pastry specialties.

Tickets to the event are $225 each, and when being reserved, guests can specify which charity they wish to benefit. For more information, call (708) 237-6444 or visit: chicagoautoshow.com, to click on the individual nonprofits.