February Puts the Fun in Fundraising

The month of February begins with top notch fundraisers that many organizations could learn from.

For the Love of Chocolate Foundation awards culinary arts scholarships to students interested in baking. On Feb. 1, the group held an annual event at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel with a wild west theme this year.

There were several rooms and vendor booths for guests to explore that evening with plenty of photo opps along the way. Fortune tellers, Rivers Casino gambling and live music entertained attendees for an immersive experience. The casual cowboy dress code led to lots of people watching and raised over $117,000 thanks over the course of several hours. Visit FTLOC.org to learn more and there's still plenty of time to donate to a student's future.

The Goodman Theatre's fifth annual Education and Engagement luncheon titled Legacy & Promise was also held at the Palmer House as well on Feb. 5.

The powerful speaker Willa J. Taylor spoke about the organization's programs for youth during the lunch. Actor Sean Hayes, that many know from the television show Will & Grace, spoke on coming out, his past theater work and his upcoming movie Lazy Susan.

Artistic director Robert Falls announced after the Q&A that Hayes would be appearing in the world premiere of Good Night, Oscar in January of 2021. For more information on current shows visit GoodmanTheatre.org.

On Feb. 8, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held its annual event at The Field Museum. On the second floor 35 tasting stations gave ticketholders samples before descending the staircase to dine under a dinosaur. There was a moving speech by the father of two boys suffering the effects of Cystic Fibrosis, followed by a live auction and dancing.

The food was outstanding with Tanta, Bar Siena and Bad Hunter being some of the generous participants. Visit CFFGrandChefs.com for more information on the foundation today.