Wed. October 17, 2012
By Terrence Chappell
Couldn't agree more:
"I only drink Champagne when I'm happy, and when I'm sad. sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. when I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am. otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty"
Lily Bollinger
The Women's Board of the Joffrey Ballet welcomed the city's jet set to an evening of high fashion, exclusive live auction prizes, and fun, impromptu dance numbers by guests and Joffrey members on the catwalk. Hosted at the newly minted McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago, matched in sequence Pamella Rolland jump suits, event chairs Kristina McGrath and Sonya Y. Jackson kicked off the night with a VIP reception that featured specialty Skinny Girl cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and an explosive fashion show by fellow Women's Board member and fashion designer Pamella Rolland and co-presented by Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. The models weren't the only people that were rocking the runway in Rolland's Spring 2013 collection. For $100, McGrath and Jackson opened up the runway for guests to strut their stuff down the catwalk – proceeds went to benefit the Joffrey and programs. Guests were then treated to an all-out dance party of a live DJ set, late-night bites provided by some of Chicago's premiere Food Trucks, and more dancing. Co-chaired by Kristina McGrath for the third consecutive year, this year's 7th Annual Couture & Cocktails attracted 400 guests and raised $275,000 for the Joffrey Ballet's programs and performances.
"The event was a huge success. We exceeded our projected goal. It was an evening filled with red carpet fashion, great food and over 400 Joffrey supporters. I feel very grateful to have had the chance to support such a cultural institution in this city" said McGrath.
"Chicago is one of the best cities of the world. I've always wanted to open up a hotel here but never found the right opportunity. So, when this [Ambassador East hotel] became available, I just had to. If you want to have a successful hotel company, you have to have something in Chicago. It's one of the greatest cities in this country," said Scharger.
Scharger went on to share his concept and idea behind Public Chicago – one that would not price people out but also continue to provide great service at an affordable price.
"People were just really tired of spending a lot of money on hotels and not getting good value. So, I brought this idea of providing really good value but getting the same sophistication, the same excitement, the same kind of great food and beverage concept but also getting great service at a less expensive price," said Schrager.
When asked about any future plans of going back into the club business, Schrager shares that he will continue to retain aspects of the club atmosphere and ambience in his hotels because he feels it "provides a different dimension... everything under one roof."Schrager parts with lasting advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs that they should just go for it and never be afraid of failure.
Until next update, as Ian advised, just go for it and if you fail, well, there's always champagne!
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