Children's Ball - A Fête of All Seasons

On Saturday, December 13, about 1,200 decked out guests descended upon the Hilton Chicago for the 50th annual black-tie Children's Ball, Seasons: A Year of Discovery, an event benefiting Children’s Memorial Hospital. Guests were greeted at the grand staircase by the young violinists from the Suzuki Orff School of Music, taking them to a spring/summer-themed cocktail reception with a pink-hued ambiance, complete with Gerbera Daisies in the grandiose ballroom. The all seasons theme was chosen by this year’s co-chairs Emily Emmerman and Meredith Bluhm-Wolf that brought a celebratory feel to this year’s ball. Spring was in the air as guests enjoyed cocktails surrounding an oversized elaborate tree complete with a dancing butterfly. Lush buffets served summer favorites like shrimp cocktail, light Asian faire and mini hamburgers. As attendees moved into the ballroom, they entered a magical winter wonderland of all white décor. You could taste fall with their dinner menu which featured a bibb and butter lettuce salad with goat cheese and roasted beets, chestnut soup, followed by filet mignon. After dinner many revelers filled the dance floor.

Children’s Memorial Hospital depends on philanthropy as a non-for-profit, as they are one of the best institutions in the country. The ball was part of an overall plan with the Medical Research Institute Council (MRIC) which helped raise $5.3 million for the Children’s Memorial Hospital this year.

Co-chairs Emily Emmerman (left) and Meredith Bluhm-Wolf with dancers from Stage Factor

Deborah Jarol of Winnetka and her son Brad Jarol of Chicago

'Butterfly'' Dancer

2008 Children's Ball co-chair Meredith Bluhm-Wolf (center) with daughter Anna
*Photos by Garbo Productions