The 23rd annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza drew 850 guests who helped raise $930,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
At the 23rd annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza on May 2 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago with its commanding view of the river, supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raised $930,000 for the hospital’s lifesaving mission. During its history, the gala has raised $11.5 million to ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Momentum was built with the gala’s first-ever $50,000 sponsorship provided by Sidley Austin LLP, and carried along by Give to Live gifts totaling $420,000. Live auction prizes included a game night in a Chicago Blackhawks suite for 20; a wine country package to Sonoma, California; entry in the St. Jude Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament; an African safari trip for two; and a VIP trip to Firefly Music Festival in Delaware.
A highlight of the evening was St. Jude patient Grace sharing her heartfelt story with the gala’s 850 guests. Chicago-area restaurants commanded guests’ palates and Executive Chefs Rick Farmer and Michael Vetro were on hand to represent the Kay Kafe at St. Jude.
Four Stars of Chicago honorary event chair was John Gasparovic of BorgWarner Automotive of Detroit, who welcomed committee members Joseph G. Shaker, Ann Danner, Marianne Silver, Paul Juettner, Andy Daniels and Caesar Tabet, among others.