On the Red Carpet celebrates Oscars and Center on Halsted
Wed. February 27, 2013 12:01 PM by Terrence Chappell
on the red carpet with precious davis (center)
photo credit // anthony meade
Annual Oscar viewing party raises $60,000 for Center on Halsted
Chicago, IL -
Hollywood's Dolby Theatre wasn't the only place lighting up the red carpet for the Oscars this year. Center on Halsted welcomed their network of supporters, activists, and leaders for a red carpet evening of the VIP treatment and an interactive Oscar viewing experience at the Park West this past Sunday, Feb. 24.
The evening kicked off with a red carpet arrival and check-in courtesy of Mini Chicago. As the Oscar pre-awards show telecast streamed in the background on three large TV projectors, guests strutted their stuff and posed for pictures on the red carpet. Local personality and Center on Halsted's Youth Health Educator Prevention Coordinator Precious Davis "felt glamorous" on the red carpet and was especially impressed with co-chair Connie Pierson and her infectious personality.
"Connie was amazing. She was so sweet and so warm. Every time she's around there's just a stroke of genius. The Oscar party was a great mix of young adults and older people enjoying the Oscars with their friends," said Davis.
(View photo gallery)
Co-chairs Dr. Seamas O'Driscoll, Scott Silverman and Pierson welcomed arriving guests to their seat and an evening that not only celebrated the stars but Center on Halsted's mission and outreach. Silverman said he believed that the winners were not just the Oscar winners that evening but those who benefit from the services at Center on Halsted.
"I think it was absolutely spectacular. The winners are not only on stage but the winners are also beneficiaries of all the involvement of the people out here tonight," said Silverman.
In addition to the Oscars, guests noshed on a buffet of mini burgers complemented with vegetarian options. Higher ticketed guests were practically at the Oscars with premiere booth seating right under the telecast, champagne bottle service as well as tableside cocktail service. Community supporter and event volunteer David S. Hackett said that each year the Center tops its last party.
"From the host committee to all the staff and volunteers - each year the Center continues to outdo themselves and this year was no exception. Not enough superlatives for Dustin Simon Erikstrup and Dan Corica and Barb Vicory for a job well done. The Red Carpet was rapturous - a ruby among garnets," said Hackett.
Guests weren't only toasting their favorite stars who won Oscars that evening but also to an engagement announcement. O'Driscoll popped the big question to his partner Todd Bolthouse as the two were getting ready for the Oscar party at the Park West. He proposed by saying, "You look fantastic in that tux. The only thing missing is this... " And then he pulled out the ring -- Bolthouse said yes.
This year's On The Red Carpet raised approximately $60,000 with 375 guests in attendance. The silent auction raised over $13,000 and included signature items such as two 3-day Lollapalooza VIP passes matched with a 2-night hotel stay and a painting by Tennessee Loveless, who was named one of Instinct Magazine's top 15 most influential gay men of 2012.
In regards to a sneak peek for next year's Oscar viewing party, Center on Halsted's special events manager Dustin Erikstrup offered, "The only way to go is up."
Related: View photos from On the Red Carpet
The evening kicked off with a red carpet arrival and check-in courtesy of Mini Chicago. As the Oscar pre-awards show telecast streamed in the background on three large TV projectors, guests strutted their stuff and posed for pictures on the red carpet. Local personality and Center on Halsted's Youth Health Educator Prevention Coordinator Precious Davis "felt glamorous" on the red carpet and was especially impressed with co-chair Connie Pierson and her infectious personality.
"Connie was amazing. She was so sweet and so warm. Every time she's around there's just a stroke of genius. The Oscar party was a great mix of young adults and older people enjoying the Oscars with their friends," said Davis.
(View photo gallery)
Co-chairs Dr. Seamas O'Driscoll, Scott Silverman and Pierson welcomed arriving guests to their seat and an evening that not only celebrated the stars but Center on Halsted's mission and outreach. Silverman said he believed that the winners were not just the Oscar winners that evening but those who benefit from the services at Center on Halsted.
"I think it was absolutely spectacular. The winners are not only on stage but the winners are also beneficiaries of all the involvement of the people out here tonight," said Silverman.
In addition to the Oscars, guests noshed on a buffet of mini burgers complemented with vegetarian options. Higher ticketed guests were practically at the Oscars with premiere booth seating right under the telecast, champagne bottle service as well as tableside cocktail service. Community supporter and event volunteer David S. Hackett said that each year the Center tops its last party.
"From the host committee to all the staff and volunteers - each year the Center continues to outdo themselves and this year was no exception. Not enough superlatives for Dustin Simon Erikstrup and Dan Corica and Barb Vicory for a job well done. The Red Carpet was rapturous - a ruby among garnets," said Hackett.
Guests weren't only toasting their favorite stars who won Oscars that evening but also to an engagement announcement. O'Driscoll popped the big question to his partner Todd Bolthouse as the two were getting ready for the Oscar party at the Park West. He proposed by saying, "You look fantastic in that tux. The only thing missing is this... " And then he pulled out the ring -- Bolthouse said yes.
This year's On The Red Carpet raised approximately $60,000 with 375 guests in attendance. The silent auction raised over $13,000 and included signature items such as two 3-day Lollapalooza VIP passes matched with a 2-night hotel stay and a painting by Tennessee Loveless, who was named one of Instinct Magazine's top 15 most influential gay men of 2012.
In regards to a sneak peek for next year's Oscar viewing party, Center on Halsted's special events manager Dustin Erikstrup offered, "The only way to go is up."
Related: View photos from On the Red Carpet