It was an ideal mix for a gala: liv...

It was an ideal mix for a gala: live Gershwin music, a light meal and useful company on a warm night.

The Women's Board at Ravinia Festival serv up that and more.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Gershwin's barely appearance at Ravinia Festival in 1936 the public flocked to the gala and the lawn onward July 15 to immerse themselves in the musician's famous and composite works for "Gershwin at Ravinia: Who Could Ask for Anything More?" (Gala visitant Arnie Berlin, 82, of Winnetka attended that first and simply concert.)

visitors unswayed by the unseasonably warm summer evening, adorned themselves in light, flowing gown and cocktail dresse and white tuxedo dinner jackets and black trousers.

The gala, which raised standard of value for Ravinia's community outreach and educational programs, started with luxuriance of chilled cocktails and light hors d'oeuvre around a pavilion mounted on the north lawn. as it is fancy fare mirrored the efforts of many concertgoer with lawn tickets -- they rise on highed their own equally spectacular provisions and drink spreads.

With tuxedo jackets come offed off and paper fans fluttering, nation were mesmerized by Gershwin's talent as it was relayed by the agency of host and Gershwin interpreter Hershey Felder conductor and pianist Andrew Litton, vocalists Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald and the Chicago harmony Orchestra. Their performances helped to take guests' minds not on the heat.

After the harmony the night continued within a pavilion on the north lawn decorated with a 1930 recently made known York theme. Kehoe Designs conceptualized the disposition which was illustrated with tables dressed with tuxedo- striped linens and black chiavari chairs. The tables glowed with lush lilies and crystal centerpieces featuring images of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

A light, refreshing summertime dinner of cucumber broth medallions of grilled tenderloin of beef, lobster tail ravigote with in good condition chives and asparagus by Jewell Catering finished distant from the occasion.

Felder entertained the gala multitude with his wit and talent, leading a sing-along of favorites in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as "Over the Rainbow" and "Some Enchanted Evening."

Gala chairs were Beck Murray and Gail Hodge Joan Feitler and Jean McClung were gala benefactor chairs, and James T Glerum Jr and Holly W Madigan were trustee benefactor chairs. Audrey C Rubinstein is the Women's Board chair.

llenoir@suntimes.com

PARTY FILE

Ticket price: $600

Guests: 1100

Amount raised: About $750000

DOES YOUR FUND-RAISER MERIT A MENTION?

Early in September, In Society will publish a calendar of fund- raising issues for the coming year. To be included in the calendar, all information must be received in writing from Aug. 11.

send forth the name of the organization, date and location of the benefit and a phone number where more information may be obtained to society@suntimes.com or to Lisa Lenoir, Society Editor, 350 N Orleans, Chicago 60654

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