By Kathy Anguiano
CRF Members Aaron & Nichole Charfoos & children (Chicago)
More than 900 Chicagoans came together for the black tie gala hosted by 2023 Children’s Research Fund Campaign and Children’s Ball Co-Chairs Dr. Elizabeth and Andrew Reyes. The Children’s Research Fund’s signature event, “The Children’s Ball,” was presented by Jewel Osco and Hinsdale-based investment firm OceanM19, returned this year to the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 2. Aptly themed “Curiosity Cures”,
(L to R) Caitlin Heneghan, Clifford Banks, Michelle Banks, Tom Heneghan (middle), Deneed Heneghan, Briana Heneghan (Naperville)
The night was set off with a drumline leading from the cocktail reception to the International Ballroom, where guests were welcomed with a dance set by Becca Kaufman Orchestra. The guests also enjoyed an energetic set from a School of Rock Band, featuring young talent from the North Shore, followed by an elegant seated dinner. After dinner, there was a brief speaking program and a moving patient video was shown followed by a paddle-raise and dancing until midnight.
Grand Ballroom, Hilton Chicago
Reyes & Cooney Table
The night was set and left the audience feeling inspired due to event co-chairs Dr. Elizabeth and Andrew Reyes share their reasons for being committed to pediatric health, as well as the words and work of Dr. Sonali Chaudhury, who spoke about a promising new treatment for the most aggressive forms of childhood leukemia.
(L to R) Chris Reyes (Lake Forest), Anne Reyes (Lake Forest), Dr. Elizabeth Reyes (Winnetka), Andrew Reyes (Winnetka)
To bring this warm and lively night to a close the guests then watched a video about one of Dr. Chaudhury’s young patient, Ella, who was also in attendance at the event along with her family. Over $3.75 million was raised and helped to reach a total of $4.65 million for the organization’s annual campaign. The funds raised through the Children’s Ball will go toward the Children’s Research Fund’s current three-year, $9 million commitment to Advanced Therapeutics at the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Will Bartels (Rolling Meadows, IL)
(L to R) Oliver Charfoos, Penelope Charfoos, Nichole Charfoos
Nishu Thukral
This year’s leading event sponsors include presenting sponsors Jewel Osco and Hinsdale-based investment firm OceanM19, as well as Enova, Pancoe Family Foundation and Savills, among others.
For information on the Children’s Ball, please visit childrensresearchfund.org and follow the Children’s Research Fund on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter.
Photo credit: Ana Miyares
