Top Hat Ball

14th Annual Top Hat Ball celebrated Chinese New Year!

500 guests raised $425,000 for Marklund

It was quite a colorful sight to see many of Marklund’s guests dressed in “Chinese couture.” More than 500 attendees raised $425,000 for the not-for-profit organization at the Marklund 14th Annual Top Hat Ball – “Celebrate Chinese New Year,” on Saturday, Feb. 13th at Navy Pier’s historic Grand Ballroom, Chicago.

Such proceeds will go a long way to benefit Marklund and its compassionate care of infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.

Chaired by Mike and Carol Donahue of Geneva, the Top Hat Ball included authentic Chinese dancers from the Chinese American Service League in Chinatown, musicians from the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and traditional Lion and Dragon dances from Chicago Dragon’s Athletic Association. There was fine dining with some traditions of the Chinese culture and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra.

The Top Hat Ball is well known for its lavish live auction items. This year’s auction, chaired by Stacey Alexander of Plainfield and Sue Wick of Lombard, surpassed all others, raising $120,000. The 12-day Asian Seabourn cruise went for $17,000. Other live auction items and their final bids were: tickets to the Grammy Awards – two packages sold at $8,000 each; golfing Ireland’s best courses – two packages sold at $7,000 each; two tickets at the PGA Masters finals – $13,000; winter vacation for four at Steamboat, Colo.- $12,500;  two tickets to the Oprah show – $5,000; Disney World for six over Fourth of July – $8,500 and many more. In addition, Marklund’s Fund-in-Need auction raised well over $90,000.

Next year’s Top Hat Ball will celebrate Hollywood at the Marriott Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago on Saturday, February 12, 2011!

Photos copyright Chris Guillen Photography

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