The 85th Rush University Medical Center Womens Board Fashion Show and Live Auction on October 6!

October 6th will see the 85^th annual fashion show presented by the Women’s Board of Rush University, but even though the event has been going on for 8 decades, it definitely shows no signs of old age. In fact, this year’s show “LAYERS” presents a decidedly modern take on fashion. A “who’s who” of volunteer models will walk down the runway wearing designs from some of the best names in fashion including: Frances Heffernan, The Lake Forest Shop, Loro Piana, Luca Luca, Neapolitan, p.45, Penny’s From Heaven, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch and Valentino.

There is also an incredible live auction! So far great items have been announced like a private dinner with famed chef Art Smith and a Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week package.

With all this plus a great show space at the Palmer House in downtown Chicago and tons of tasty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the Women’s Board Fashion Show is aiming to combine the future of fashion with the rich history of the show itself.

For more information and to get tickets visit www.thefashionshow.org

-Dave Lauer

Tags: fashion show, Layers, Loro Piana, Luca Luca, palmer house, Ralph Loren, rush, The Lake Forest Shop, Tory Burch, Valentino, Women's Board of Rush University

Dempster Family Foundation’s “Casino Night”

Ryan Dempster is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and has over thirteen years of MLB experience. He has been with the Cubs for the past eight years! His daughter, Riley, was born in 2009 with the genetic disorder 22q, which prompted him and his wife to start the Dempster Family foundation. The disease is a chromosomal abnormality that causes a very wide range of health issues. Not only does the disease cause developmental issues, but it also is the source of heart defects, autism, and immune system problems. Currently, a cure does not exist and children suffering from the disease require significant medical attention.

I strongly urge you to support the cause. A night filled with mingling with sports celebrities, dining on fabulous food & drinks, gambling, & bidding in a unique auction will be taking place at the Palmer House Hilton on July 20th. Ryan and Jenny Dempster are hosting their second annual Casino Night benefiting the Dempster Family Foundation. The Dempster Family Foundation supports those suffering with 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS). Help raise awareness and support research of the disease by attending this extraordinary event. General Admission, along with “high roller”, tickets are still available through the Foundation’s website: http://dempsterfamilyfoundation.org/casinonight/casino-night-tickets/.

The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation aims to support families with children suffering from 22q. The foundation gives back through increased awareness, monetary grants to charities, and programs. Researching for early detection of the disorder and helping children gain confidence and strength is of utmost importance. Along with supporting research and awareness, the Dempster Foundation helps foster a network for the families affected by the disease. This network allows families to determine the best treatment path for the diagnosed and connect with others enduring the same difficult situation.

-Kaitlin Kelly, Intern

Tags: 22Q, auction, autism, Casino NIght, celebrities, charity, Dempster Family Foundation, Drink, food, Heart Defects, Immune System, Jenny Dempster, palmer house, ryan dempster, sports

Happy Thanksgiving! And thanks for giving happiness..

I came across this cool old school Chicago story from the Chicago History Journal story that I wanted to share. A man named Issac Woolf, the president of Woolf’s Clothing House, which was across the Palmer House chicago, used to host a Thanksgiving Dinner every year, for 25 years, to feed Chicago’s hungry called the “newsboys’ dinner” (see pic above for an ad he put in the tribune).  It started off in 1882 with 100 people and got up to over 10,000 people by the last years!  It cost him about $5000 per year (which was a fortune back then!) & it was a feast of turkey and all the trimmings.  He made this contribution til the day he died, and therefore was no doubt a philanthropic icon for his time, which is why I wanted to give him a shoutout today.  For the full article, click here.

Issac’s story got me thinking that we could all learn a bit from him & while giving thanks for our own blessings this season, perhaps we can take a moment to help the less fortunate, who may not have food, warm clothes, shelter,.. and have little to be thankful for? I usually make an effort to help through the “Chicago Food Depository,” but I’m sure you can just google an organization in your own neighborhood organizing kindness if that’s easier or more helpful or fulfilling.. Every lil bit helps.. Thanks for giving happiness!

Tags: chicago food depository, chicago history journal, feed the poor, hunger, hungry, issac woolf, palmer house, thanksgiving, woolf clothing

chicago sport celebs for children's memorial!

Tags: a.j. pierzynski, charles tillman, children's memorial foundation, chris chelios, denis savard, jim belushi, jim thome, kerry wood, palmer house, ryan dempster, ryne sandberg