It was a mad evening for the 3,000 guests of this year’s Alice in Wonderland-themed Green Tie Ball. Bathed in green lights, fog and bubbles, A. Finkl & Sons steel plant (2011 N. Southport) was transformed into a Tim Burton-style playground, with performers dressed as characters like Alice and the Mad Hatter and tents filled with fanciful fare from the 70 of the city’s best restaurants. Co-hosts Corri McFadden (VH1’s “House of Consignment”) and Donnie Storino welcomed guests, while “Windy City Live” hosts Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner emceed the evening’s festivities, which included a deluxe silent auction (offering items like a trip to the 2013 Emmys and a 7-night Kenyan safari) and a dance party DJed by Black Cards frontman Pete Wentz. The massive party brought in nearly $500,000 for Chicago Gateway Green’s efforts to beautify the city, making it a wonderful night indeed.
The Sun-Times Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust will match your donation to Chicago Gateway Green up to a total of $25,000, now through December 2, 2012. Donate here.
Story by Zak Stemer | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen
