parkways foundation past
events

More than 500 civic leaders and philanthropists gathered in The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden in Grant Park for the ninth annual Parkways Foundation Garden Party which raised more than $275,000 for the Send a Kid to Camp Fund and nature and environmental science programming designed to get our kids outdoors, active and connected to nature.

This year, one of the founding members of Parkways, Donna La Pietra along with Bill Kurtis emceed a paddle raise giving guests the opportunity to further support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund. More than 20% of those in attendance participated raising more than $21,000.

During the event, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois was presented with the Jens Jensen Award which was created to recognize those whose efforts have significantly improved and enhanced life in Chicago. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois initially donated $400,000 to open four Wellness Centers in order to help fight the childhood obesity epidemic, and is committed to providing funding on an annual basis in order to sustain these programs.

The honoree of the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award was Jo Ann Nathan. Jo Ann’s involvement with Parkways began at the inception of the organization, and she has been an active member ever since. Her main objective has always been to promote public awareness of the importance of parks and greenspaces, particularly in Chicago’s congested areas.

The Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park decorated hats for the centerpieces this year. This is a talented group who focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and employment training along with academics, community service and social enhancement through visual and performing arts, sports and recreation.

Carol Prins and April Schink served as Co-Chairs of this year’s event.

Parkways Foundation, the non-profit partner of the Chicago Park District, hosted the fifth annual GALApalooza on Thursday, August 5 at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park.

More than 750 people attended the event which was emceed by XRT’s Marty Lennartz. The event featured behind the scenes tours of the Lollapalooza grounds; six of the Chicago’s hottest food trucks serving up dinner: 5411 empanadas, Gaztro-wagon, The Slide Ride, The Southern Mac & Cheese; Bergstein’s New York Deli and Flirty Cupcakes; and Grey Goose bottle service at each of the lounges.

For the first time, three Lollapalooza artists were featured at GALApalooza. Elizaveta, a singer-songwriter, pianist, poet and opera diva-in-training performed during cocktail hour; the dance-rock group Walk the Moon was the opening act and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, who was named Rolling Stone’s “Best New Band of 2010” took the stage to entertain guests with her retro-rock style. During her hit song, “Paris” a group of Chicago Park District kids performed with her on stage.

This year, GALApalooza proceeds will support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund and nature and environmental science programming designed to get our kids outdoors, active and connected to nature. Studies show kids are spending upwards of six hours a day “wired” indoors versus 30 minutes a week outside in unstructured play. At a time when kids are more sedentary and staying inside more than ever before, your generosity this year will help send 3,500 kids to camp and will engage 10,000 children and families throughout the city to experience the wonder of nature in their local parks.

Stacey Reineking Sather, SVP for Charter One was the GALApalooza Corporate Chair and is Parkways’ Board Chairman. The Host Committee included: Katie Anetsberger, MTV Networks; Aaron Block, Bayru LLC; Loren Guzik, Cushman and Wakefield of Illinois LLC; Patrick Hatton, The James Hotel; Brook Jay, All Terrain; Peggy Langian, Moet Hennessy; Courtney Pitt; Austin Rabine, Rabine Paving; Kim and Mark Vanecko; Chris Weitman, Mama’s High Strung; Gary Weitman, Tribune Company. Lollapalooza Founder Perry Farrell and his wife Etty served as honorary Chairs.

Generous sponsors, supporters and partners of this year’s event include Charter One (Lead Corporate Sponsor), The James Hotel, Best Buy, Bloomingdale’s, Budweiser, Classic Party Rentals, Francis Ford Coppola Presents, Groupon, The Blackstone Hotel, Rabine Paving, Chicago magazine, Grey Goose, H20 and WXRT.

View the GALApalooza 2008 video