Green Tie Ball teams up with a sports theme

Chicago Gateway Green is a group partnership dedicated to improving Chicago''s environment. The Green Tie Ball is an annual fundraiser that assists in raising money for the cause. Due to the pandemic, The Green Tie Ball was placed on hold until 2022 returning with a sports theme this year. 

The honorary host committee was made up of female-identifying sportscasters in the Chicago market who guided the gala into a new venue at the Chicago Sports Museum at Water Tower Place on September 17. 

In keeping with the usual dressy affair of the fundraiser, ticket holders were encouraged to wear upscale cocktail attire to the affair. To make things different attendees were told to pair tennis shoes with their outfits although many missed the memo beforehand. Those that did follow instructions were wondering why shoes weren't sold onsite as promised. There was an opportunity to customize their own sneakers with a free service at the fundraiser by TheSoleRevival.com. 

The venue was a unique choice but left the Green Tie Ball tied up in knots because of the layout. The silent auction item tables left little room to visit the bathrooms when necessary. Many guests were oblivious to this and blocked the necessary exits. The live auction had some outstanding items such as a Cubs fan package and a one week vacation in Manzanillo, Mexico. 

The gaming opportunities created were fun to play and gave players chances to take home prizes that evening. A wide variety of DJs supplied lively tunes in various rooms but the high lip of the greenlit dancefloor was a tripping hazard for those that chose to cut a rug by the stage. 

Tequila and vodka stations kept the crowd doused in liquor and there was an ample enough supply of appetizers to appease donors throughout the night. The night needed more high-top stations for people to graze on and some of the food was awkward to munch on such as the large ravioli. 

Cortney Hall brought her Bulls hosting skills to the table as an emcee and should have tagged one of the host committee members to help her keep the overarching theme. 

The Green Tie Ball has a long history of major celebrity power and massive venues in the past. This effort felt a little green within itself with some areas for improvement. Many of the patrons were just happy to gather together and bring in money for a worthwhile cause in 2022. 

The world has changed since the Green Tie Ball-ers last gathered together. Human Beings require more space and the organizers should respect that. A bigger venue would allow everyone room to grow and that is just what the team involved can provide in order for the annual function to blossom more in the future. 

 The organization was founded in 1986 by Donald J. Deporter and has improved the environment in incalculable ways over the years and that should be celebrated. Find out how you can be involved at GatewayGreen.org.