Alexian Ball de Fleur Welcomes more than 700 Guests to Chicago’s Navy Pier

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (May 11, 2011) – The 25^th Anniversary of the Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur was as spectacular as the exclusive fireworks display over the horizon of Lake Michigan.  Sponsored by the Alexian Brothers Foundation and staged at the beautiful Navy Pier Grand Ballroom on Saturday, May 7^th, the Alexian Ball de Fleur attracted more than 700 guests and raised over $300,000.   With the theme, “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” the premier philanthropic gala was spotlighted by personal stories of healthcare triumph as the event raised needed funds for the new $117 million Alexian Brothers Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates, which is set to break ground on May 20^th, and the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights.

Chicago’s CBS2-TV morning co-anchor Susan Carlson served as the Mistress of Ceremonies at the Alexian Ball de Fleur which began at 5:00pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction.  Among those in attendance were local dignitaries including:  Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, Elk Grove Village Trustee Nancy Czarnik, Illinois State Representative Fred Crespo, Illinois Senator Matt Murphy, Larry Terrazas, Vice President (Chicago) for American Eagle Airlines, and Alexian Brothers Health System Board of Governors member Karen Wells, Vice President of U.S. Nutrition and Menu Strategy for McDonalds.

Alexian Brothers Health System Executive Vice President Mark A. Frey welcomed the guests while introducing the attending Alexian Brothers and then unveiled a moving video that highlighted the soon-to-be new Alexian Brothers Children’s Hospital.  In addition, Stephanie Woolbright of Lakewood shared her personal story of her daughter whose life was saved (more than once) when she was just 15 days old and admitted to St. Alexius Hospital. 

Ball guests dined on an exquisite four-course gourmet meal, and enjoyed the music of the Nightshift Orchestra throughout and after dinner.  As part of the black-tie gala, many of the guests took part in the special two-hour Dessert Cruise on the Mystic Blue.  The Silent Auction featured items such as a Derrick Rose autographed Chicago Bulls jersey, Patrick Sharp autographed Chicago Blackhawks jersey, an autographed photo of teenage heartthrob Justin Beiber, scout tickets to the White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins game, a trip to Savannah, GA, and in-home dinner party for eight prepared by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs.  The Silent Auction alone brought in more than $20,000 earmarked for the Alexian Brothers healthcare programs.  The Live Auction also added to the evening’s fundraising effort and featured three premier trips: 

• Paris and Prague 7-Night Discovery Package including airfare for two by American Airlines:  Thomas and Le Ann Kadlec from Carol Stream (in honor of their 30^th anniversary);
• Alaskan Celebrity Cruise for 7 Nights:  Dr. Martin and Judy Boyer of Prospect Heights;
• Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Training Experience with 4-Night Stay and American Airlines Airfare for 4:  Dr. Scott and Stephanie Sagerman of Long Grove (purchased it for their son who wants to be an astronaut).

Throughout its 25-year history of hosting philanthropic galas, the Alexian Brothers Foundation has raised close to $6 million for a variety of healthcare programs affiliated with the suburban-based hospital network.