Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s premier fundraising event, Gala 2005, was one of the most sought-after events in Chicago this season. In the Steppenwolf tradition, the evening was sprinkled with special celebrity moments and surprises. More than 700 guests came together for this unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the renowned Steppenwolf ensemble in an evening of theater and festivities. We thank Gala 2005 Lead Sponsor, the Sara Lee Foundation, and congratulate Gala Chair C. Steven McMillan and Gala co-chair Donna LaPietra for an evening that created cherished memories for all members of the Steppenwolf family.
Always a celebration of cutting-edge theater, Gala 2005 began with the world premiere production of Stephen Jeffreys’s Lost Land, exclusively sponsored by the Sara Lee Foundation. After the performance, the festivities continued into the night with a cocktail reception sponsored by Marshall Field’s and a spectacular dinner specially prepared by Chef Matt of SPAGO Beverly Hills. The evening’s cuisine began with a first course that literally glowed – a Chilled Maine Lobster Salad with “Forbidden” Black Rice – garnished with gold leaf and a glittering candle. The extraordinary dinner also featured Roasted Poussin with Sweet Pea-Mascarpone Raviolini and a finale that encouraged sharing and socializing as each guest savored one of five lavish desserts generously donated by Sara Lee Corporation.
Gala Emcee Bill Kurtis and Helyn Goldenberg, Fine Arts Director of Sotheby’s, skillfully executed the much-anticipated Star with the Stars Live Auction sponsored by Bank One. This year’s one-of-a-kind celebrity auction prizes included a private screening of In the Line of Fire for 10 guests with ensemble member John Malkovich and Clint Eastwood, catered by chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand; a dinner for eight at John Malkovich’s home in Cambridge; a walk-on role on CBS’s new hit series CSI: NY starring Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise; a reception and dinner for eight in the Chicago home of chef Rick Bayless with guests of honor, Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen and John Mahoney; and dinner for eight prepared by Wolfgang Puck in the California home of Gary Sinise and his wife, ensemble member Moira Harris.
Following the auction, Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band performed at our theater for the first time ever, bringing guests up on stage and rocking the dance with live entertainment that was a party in itself.
Steppenwolf expresses its sincerest appreciation to Gala 2005 Lead Sponsor, the Sara Lee Foundation; to Presenting Benefactor, Target; Official Airline Sponsor, United Airlines; Official Marketing Partner, JWT Chicago; Star with the Stars Live Auction Sponsor, Bank One and Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Marshall Field’s. Special thanks also to our exclusive wine sponsor, John Hart: Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., exclusive liquor sponsor, Grey Goose vodka, and to everyone who so generously contributed to this year’s Gala. This outstanding show of financial support will underwrite Steppenwolf’s expanding artistic programming, New Plays Initiative and Arts Exchange programming.