By Judy Carmack Bross
Viviana celebrates with her cousin at the Gold Coast Fashion Show
“When our patient champion, Viviana, came on stage and paddles started flying, we knew it was going to be a special night. The magic of Viviana helped break our evening paddle raise and Gold Coast Fashion Show fundraising record, with nearly $1.3 million secured for the Hematology, Oncology & Stem Cell transplantation fellowship program at Lurie Children’s Hospital.” – Marie Geanuleas, Co-Chair
Co-chair Marie Geanuleas with Courtney Haynes
Brenda and Jai Bhansali
Dana Jones and Sydney Caine
Paul Seavey and Neiman Marcus Creative Director Louis Bisceglie
The triumphant teaming of fashion and philanthropy dazzled at the Children’s Service Board’s 68th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show held at the Geraghty supporting the Board’s two-year, $2 million commitment to the Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Fellowship Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Fall and winter designer fashions from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue fascinated in a fast-paced, live runway show and cocktail reception which paired with a luncheon and runway show that took place earlier in the week at the Ritz-Carlton to raise nearly $1.3 million.
Neiman Marcus models gather post show
Over 500 guests attended the evening event which featured food stations spotlighting some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, including Mastros, Adalina and Ema. Following the reception, guests were invited to a seated fashion runway presentation curated by the Children’s Service Board’s long-time partner and exclusive retail sponsor Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Coming off the success of the luncheon show earlier in the week, Neiman Marcus kicked it up a notch with a lavish and more evening-focused production. A paddle raise and live auction followed, with dessert bites from some of Chicago’s favorite sweet shops. Fashion shone both on the runway and in the audience.
Evgenia Voytsekhovskiy
Danielle Hoeg, President of the Children’s Service Board, Andrea Chadwick, Kim Kozminski, and Cathryn Schmalz
With Children’s Service Board President Danielle Hoeg and Co-chairs Marie Geanuleas and Kasey Macha at the helm and the full support of its 60-person Children’s Service Board, the events enhanced the Lurie Children’s Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Fellowship Program, allowing for continued research and care for the patients and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Brad Giordano with Andrea and Brian Chadwick
Sydney Caine with Board President Danielle Hoeg
Co-chairs Marie Geanuleas and Kasey Macha
Co-Chair Kasey Macha told us:
“Planning Gold Coast Fashion Week with Marie was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of. To co-chair such a successful event together and feel supported by our entire board of awesome women made it so fun!”
Viviana, right, and cousin having a wonderful evening
One of the highlights of the evening occurred when Lurie Children’s patient Viviana appeared onstage with her young cousin, capturing hearts as she enthusiastically helped the evening’s auctioneer with a successful paddle raise and live auction. A nine-year-old, Viviana is currently in treatment for Leukemia. Her mother, Michelle, shared the story of the family’s experience with Lurie Children’s and the incredible care they have received and the positive impact it has had on Viviana’s battle.
Cathryn Schmaltz, Bridgett Fitzgerald and Karen Focht
Christa Cottrell, Co-chair Kasey Macha and Cassidy Neveux
Jonathan and Dee Merriweather
Michelle Flinn, Stefanie McDonald and Christina Slad
Photo Credit: Sean Su / Purple Photo Group
