Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council, a community of dynamic young professionals, hosted their 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefit at the River East Art Center on Friday, April 1. The event raised a substantial contribution, which has been designated to support the world premiere of The Pain and the Itch. Playwright Bruce Norris and director Anna D. Shapiro, the newest member of Steppenwolf’s ensemble, served as honorary co-chairs for this sensational evening of Wine, Celebrity & Song.
The party began with a private VIP champagne reception and progressed into a fun-filled tasting of wines from KAFKA wine co. Each station (toasty, floral/herbal, fruity, earthy and spicy) was paired with hors d’oeuvres from Jewell Events Catering – highlighted by flowers created for each taste sensation by Dilly Lily. As the night progressed, guests sampled Grey Goose signature martinis, danced to the tunes of local band Maggie Speaks and mingled with members of Steppenwolf’s ensemble. Raffle prizes pampered the inner-celebrity for 15 lucky winners, and no one left without a goody bag to heal their pains and itches – each had treats including Ghurka leather goods, vodka samplers, chocolates and Aveda products.Special thanks to event co-chairs Marc Blakeman, Carrie Schloss, and Jeff Soble and the following sponsors for their generous support of this evening: Cosi, Foley and Lardner LLP, KAFKA wine co., SBC, Grey Goose, InStyle, Jewell Events Catering, LaSalle Bank, Red Star Printing, River East Art Center and Talon Asset Management.