More than 200 guests joined The Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board to celebrate the upcoming Joffrey premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Swan Lake in Chicago on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. The Luncheon raised more than $75,000 to support The Joffrey Ballet’s performances and programming.
The elegant luncheon began with a champagne reception at the newly opened RPM Steak located at 66 West Kinzie Street, Chicago. President Obama was spotted later in the evening dining at the venue.
Co-chaired by Women’s Board members Kathleen Henson, of Henson Consulting and Ellie Forman, of Mesirow Financial, the afternoon featured “Stories of a Leading Swan” — an intimate conversation with Joffrey dancer and leading Swan, Victoria Jaiani and the Joffrey’s Artistic Director Ashley Wheater led by Hedy Weiss, Theater and Dance Critic for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Guests, comprised of Chicago’s foremost business and civic leaders and philanthropists were treated to a special gift from Burberry’s new cosmetic line and had the chance to win luxurious prizes from Fabbri Furs, Jewelry by Rosalina, The Joffrey Ballet, Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique, Maria Pinto’s M2057 collection, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, RPM Steak, Southwest Airlines and Tory Burch. Floral designs were provided by A Perfect Event and the co-chairs and Joffrey dancers were adorned with Jewelry by Rosalina.
Spotted at the luncheon included notable names such as: Martha Melman, Suzy Friedman, Linda O’Keefe, Sonya Y. Jackson, Rochelle Trotter, Maria Pinto, Nancy Reinsdorf, Coco Meers, Molly Melman and Tarrah Cooper.
The Joffrey Ballet is Chicago’s premier ballet company committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertory encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works of today. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron. The Joffrey is also committed to providing arts education and accessible dance training through its Joffrey Academy of Dance and Community Engagement programs.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs visit www.joffrey.org.
Abby McCormick O’Neil, Martha Melman, Suzy Friedman, Noren Ungaretti
Ashley Wheater, Hedy Weiss, Victoria Jaiani
Back Row- Sebrina Beyer, Nancy Reinsdorf, Tina Berto, Hillary Thomas, Front Row – Lisa Nucci, Julie Adler, Beth Esler, Susan Goodenow
Brooke Hubbuch, Maria Pinto
Carol Stone, Laura Kofoid
Elizabeth Yntema, Noren Ungaretti
Ellie Forman, Kathleen Henson, Taylor Townsend, Tarrah Cooper
Ellie Forman, Victoria Jaiani, Ashley Wheater, Kathleen Henson
Greg Cameron, Mary Galvin
Sonya Jackson, Rochelle Trotter
