Fashion and Philanthropy | Classic Chicago Magazine

By Judy Carmack Bross

Designer fashions from Nieman Marcus Michigan Avenue hit the runway

Enthusiastic attendees at the Show

Fashion and philanthropy were celebrated at the Children’s Service Board’s 69th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show recently. Fall and winter designer fashions from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue were showcased in a fast-paced, live runway show and cocktail reception. Proceeds from the fashion show provide critical funds to complete the second year of the board’s $2M commitment to The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Paired with the luncheon and fashion show that took place earlier in the week at The Drake, the 69th Gold Coast Fashion Show raised over $1.5M.

Kristen Peck, Tracey Michaels, Erin Gilfillan, Kathy Mellon, and Kate Kysiak

Ed and Karyn Kruschka

Mary Watts and Cathryn Schmaltz

Guests from Corporate Sponsor Jewel-Osco and Reflection Window and Wall

Over 500 guests attended the evening event, which took place at The Geraghty in Pilsen. The evening kicked off with a convivial cocktail reception featuring food stations manned by some of Chicago’s most popular restaurants, including Fioretta, Le Colonial, and STK. 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 that took place the week prior, Neiman Marcus kicked it up a notch with a lavish and more evening-focused production. The night’s excitement piqued with a paddle raise and live auction, followed by dessert bites from some of Chicago’s favorite sweet shops.

Gold Coast Fashion Show chairs Cathryn Schmaltz and Alexandra Schwarzman

Patient champion Cece

Cece walks the stage with her big brother

One of the highlights of the evening occurred when Lurie Children’s patient Cece sweetly walked the stage with her big brother. At just 20 months old, doctors found a tumor on Cece’s adrenal gland, and she was quickly diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Though overcome with fear, Cece’s parents, Pauline and John, were relieved when the care team at Lurie Children’s presented a comprehensive treatment plan backed by research. The team first collected her stem cells to reimplant after an intensive round of chemotherapy to protect Cece’s future, and over the course of the next two years, Cece underwent surgery, radiation and immunotherapy as well. Pauline shared the story of the family’s life-saving experience with Lurie Children’s.

Karyn Kruschka, Nadia Cobalovic, Sydney Caine, Dana Jones

Kristina and Don Pierce

Children’s Service Board President Danielle Hoeg

The event was hosted by the Children’s Service Board, led by President Danielle Hoeg with co-chairs Cathryn Schmaltz and Alexandra Schwarzman. The team, with the support of its 60-person Children Service Board, has as its mission to help enhance 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.