Gold Coast Fashion Show Raises $1.28 Million For Lurie Children’s Hospital

By Kathy Anguiano

 

Lurie Children’s Foundation Staff Celebrate the 67th Gold Coast Fashion Show

Nearly 500 guests came together to support the Children’s Service Board’s 67th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show. Taking place at The Geraghty in Pilsen, the night was kicked off with a lavish cocktail reception along with food stations manned by some of Chicago’s most popular restaurants Le Colonial, Lýra, and Adalina. 

Karyn and Ed Kruschka

Matt and Stefanie McDonald and Christina and Ben Slad

Sydney Caine Freeman and Adam Freeman

Sharon Bosco and Karen Focht

After a dynamic and festive cocktail reception the night was tuned up with the fashion runway. The presentation was organized by the Children’s Service Board’s long-time partner and exclusive retail sponsor Neiman Marcus Michigan.

 

Models backstage at the 67th Gold Coast Fashion Show in fashions from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue

Models backstage at the 67th Gold Coast Fashion Show in fashions from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue

One of the highlights of the night occurred when the confident 11-year old Lurie Children’s patient Penelope took to the stage to share about how Lurie Children’s has changed her life. Penelope shared her experience living with acute anxiety and how it has impacted her life since she was a toddler. Penelope also met her therapist Dr. Jaclyn Hoffmeister for the first time in person.

Lurie Children’s patient champion Penelope presents her story with her therapist Dr. Jaclyn Hoffmeister

Lurie Children’s patient champion Penelope with her parents at the 67th Gold Coast Fashion Show

Lurie’s Patient Champion Penelope with Lurie Children’s staffer Ilana Gutman

The vivacious night came to a close with a paddle raise and live auction, which was then followed by dessert bites from some of Chicago’s favorite sweet shops. Together the luncheon and runway show raised over $1.28M. All of the event proceeds are going towards the Board’s two-year, $2 million commitment to the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Lurie Children’s.

Patient Champion Penelope and Auctioneer Greg Dellinger

Members of the Children’s Service Board at the 67th Gold Coast Fashion Show

Nikki Liddy, Nicole Kneedy, Jenny Polster, Susie Silich, Amanda Bonnell and Evgenia Voytsekhovskiy

Victoria Malkin and Jesse Van Dyke

The event was hosted by Children’s Service Board President Emily Flaherty with co-chairs Cathryn Schmaltz and Renee Stock. The team, with full support of its 60-person Children Service Board, is driven to help Lurie Children’s address the increasing demand for pediatric mental health care services, with an emphasis on early detection and treatment.

Children Service Board VP Danielle Hoeg with co-chairs Cathryn Schmaltz and Renee Stock with Board president Emily Flaherty

Co-chairs Renee Stock and Cathryn Schmaltz

 

Photo Credit: Sean Su / Purple Photo Group