Champagne Wrapture

Riding up the elevator to the 99th floor of the "Willis" Tower, I found myself questioning my place in the ChicagoPride.com team. This was my first event on the scene and my first night meeting some very influential figures in Chicago's LGBT community. Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck. Hiding behind my Versace for H&M overcoat and my Proenza Schouler clutch, I was ready to take on the world!

As the elevator stopped and the doors opened at the Sky Deck high above the city, I could immediately tell that Champagne Wrapture: Clicquot in the Sky was a see and be seen type of party, boasting some of the biggest names in Chicago - all in attendance to support the incredible work of Chicago House.

First, Matthew Harvet, of CircuitMom Productions, welcomed me and filled me in on his involvement in designing the space for the night. Thrilled to be on the host committee for the event, Matthew was working and "werkin," wearing a beautiful bowtie to set off the event's color scheme.

Making my rounds, I was stopped dead in my tracks by my number one weakness - chocolate. Terry of Terry's Toffee made all my dreams come true when I sampled his lavender white chocolate toffee. I just about stopped breathing, my mouth was in love. Terry is a great guy, explaining to me that giving back to the community was a big priority; he participated in the AIDS Foundation World of Chocolate event back in December.

Each year Chicago House hosts a Veuve Clicquot benefit at a different venue, this year at the Willis Tower. As I walked around the auction, I was very impressed with the pieces up for bid in the silent auction. Some beautiful works were available and every artist made an effort to bring their champagne bottle to life.

Meeting Father Stan Sloan (pictured), CEO of Chicago House, was a great pleasure. He seemed very proud of his team - including Special Events Director Jeremy Hilborn - and with good reason; the event was such a great success.

Combining art, awareness and charity, Champagne Wrapture was an evening I won't soon forget. And a huge congratulation to everyone in attendance, the 400-person, sold out event, raised $51,000 for Chicago House! For more on Chicago House, visit www.chicagohouse.org.

Through this experience, I realized that not only do I have a place on the ChicagoPride.com team, but I'm also proud to be part of Chicago's LGBT community. Watch for my ongoing coverage of the social scene here in Scene with Stephen.

Click here to view more photos of Champagne Wrapture: Clicquot in the Sky.