Good golly, it's gala season

It's gala season in Chicago so pull out your dress clothes and open your pocketbooks! There are many worthy causes out there, so choose wisely and support the organizations that help out the community.

Entertainment is important to keep Chicago thriving by bringing in visitors and keeping locals stimulted each month. Steppenwolf Theatre continues every year to set the bar high for that and knows how to throw a good party while making money. In 2019, the handsome Armie Hammer did an excellent job as a charming emcee and the friendly James Franco worked the live auction at Rockwell on the River.

it's simply astounding to watch the bids rise throughout the evening to big numbers every year. A dinner with Chef Rick Bayless and Steppenwolf ensemple members went for $20,000 and a set visit to The Connors TV show thanks to actress Laurie Metcalf went even higher.

For more of the troupe's current season including the fabulous MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT visit Steppenwolf.org.

Starstuck: Goodman Theatre's gala featured Tony Award nominee Megan Hilty. Guests were treated to a sit down dinner of glazed duck and grilled beef tenderloin while the talented singer belted out some classic Broadway tunes.

Afterwards, the night continued on with a live band called The Gentleman of Leisure that had everyone out of their seats and dancing. Proceeds from the evening went to the iconic theater group that is about to present The Music Man at the end of June. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org for tickets and details.

This week we have Heroes of the Night with a 10th anniversary gala at Theater on the Lake on June 13. It will be hosted by WGN Morning News weatherman Paul Konrad and country singer Ali Morgan is making music for the crowd. All profits from the event will go to families and children in need. Visit Holiday-Heroes.org for tickets today.

Another fundraiser thrown at Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, later this month on June 28 is called Allstars of Project Runway. The JourneyCare Foundation is presenting an event with many of the designers from past seasons of the hit TV show Project Runway. Strut over to JourneyCare.org for more information.

The Gene Siskel Film Center Gala is holding its big event on June 15 at the Four Seasons Chicago. Actor Robert Downey, Jr. will be moderating a question and answer portion of the night after dinner with fellow Marvel movie man Jon Favreau.

For more info visit SiskelFilmCenter.org. While there check out the calendar with a stellar line up of LGBT films this month including one of my favs Sauvage/Wild!