Alexian Brothers holds 25th Alexian Ball de Fleur May 7
A little more than a week after Alexian Brothers announced its merger with the St. Louis-based Ascension family of hospitals, the Brothers are marking the 25th anniversary of their signature event, the Alexian Ball de Fleur.
Originally called the Garden Ball, it continues to be their premier event, drawing supporters from all of its medical facilities across the Northwest suburbs.
They include Alexian Brothers Medical Center and Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital in Elk Grove Village; St. Alexius Medical Center and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Center in Hoffman Estates; and Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights.
This year’s event takes place Saturday, May 7, in the grand ballroom at Navy Pier. Proceeds will be earmarked for the new Children’s Hospital, set to break ground May 20 on the campus of St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates, as well as community-based mental health services.
“The ball represents the hallmark fundraising event for the foundation,” said Melanie Furlan, advancement vice president of the Alexian Brothers Foundation.
Matt Wakely, communications vice president for the health system, said despite the merger and its ability to speed up construction of the new Children’s Hospital, the importance of community fundraising remains the same.
“Donations from the ball will assist in providing lifesaving pediatric specialty services to more than two million families,” Wakely said. “Philanthropic support continues to be a critical component in the Alexian Brothers being able to provide the academic quality care to our community’s children.”
When members of the Alexian Brothers Health Foundation conceived the ball in 1986, they reasoned they had to spend money to make money. Consequently, they booked singer Petula Clark for their first ball.
The event drew 1,400 people to the former Hamilton Hotel in Itasca. Right from the start, it heightened the visibility of the Alexian Brothers Medical Center — their only Northwest suburban facility at the time — and its holistic mission.
More blockbuster entertainers would follow in the years to come, including Bob Hope, Frankie Valle and Jay Leno. More recent renditions have concentrated on offering a top-notch event that reflects the quality of their facilities.
“The Alexian Brothers have decided to focus on providing an elegant evening of celebrating the Alexian Brothers’ successes with fine food, beautiful décor, live orchestras and raising awareness and money for programs that represent the Brothers’ mission,” said spokeswoman Mary Anne McAndrew.
In the 25-year history of the philanthropic gala, it has generated more than $6 million for various health care programs that serve the Northwest suburbs, McAndrew said.