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Ambassadors support more happy birthdays
Gala co-chair Cheryl Taglia and Katherine Hillebrand of Evanston. | Lee A. Litas~Sun-Times Media
American
Cancer
Society
225 N. Michigan Ave., #1210, Chicago
(312) 960-2328 or www.cancer.org
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Updated: August 17, 2012 12:58PM
The Event: There may not have been chorus rounds of “Happy Birthday” sung by the more than 500 guests at the 4th annual American Cancer Society Skyline Soiree on July 27 but the colorful balloons, hula-hoop artist, wine toss and (travel version of) “pin the tail on the donkey” definitely put everyone in a celebratory mood.
Hosted by the American Cancer Society’s Associate Board of Ambassadors (ABOA) inside Chicago’s posh River East Art Center, the birthday-themed event served to highlight the cancer society’s motto of being the “official sponsor of birthdays” with festivities featuring performances by Final Say, a spin-off of the popular cover band Maggie Speaks, and appearances by local celebrities such as B96 entertainment reporter Showbiz Shelly and Ed Swiderski from Season 5 of TV’s “The Bachelorette.”
The ABOA, a young leadership board composed of 70 individuals representing 50 companies, has raised more than $1 million for the American Cancer Society since its inception in 2008.
Cause célèbre: “I think it’s very important to support causes like this because cancer affects everyone,” said Katherine Hillebrand. “It’s also a great way to come together, remember those who came before us and hopefully make strides towards the future.”
The American Cancer Society contributes an estimated $3.4 billion to research each year, helping the more than 11 million cancer survivors and countless “previvors” — those predisposed to certain types of cancer — to celebrate more birthdays.
“I think we have all been impacted by cancer with someone we know and love and so we wanted to come out here to support a really great cause,” said Stella Giometti.
And volunteer Elise Fox urged: “Rock the cause, make a change, get involved today to help make a difference. We could really use your help.”
Bottom line: The event raised $120,000 for the American Cancer Society.
