By Judy Carmack Bross
Bill and Beverly Birck
“We took a chance on a completely new format this year, drawing inspiration from the ‘Années folles’ of 1920s Paris. From the jazz cabaret and casino tables to roaming mimes and magicians, to bites from the city’s arrondissements, it was such a joy to watch guests immerse themselves in the spirit of the evening.,” said Beverly Birck, chairman of the 2025 Fall Benefit, hosted by The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center.
Meg and Stu Bradley with Ryan Esche at casino tables
Dr. Jonathan Myers and Beth Myers
Brad and Megan Smith
The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center hosted its 9th annual Fall Benefit, themed “Une Soirée d’Automne,” at Artifact Events in Chicago. Approximately 200 guests gathered to raise funds for Rush University Medical Center’s education, research and community service programs, as well as The Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at RUSH, which will provide sustainable endowment support to drive innovations in research, novel treatments, effective health care solutions and ongoing organizational growth for the medical center.
Bill Birck, proud husband of event chair Beverly Birck
Mary Mannucci and Ryan Esche
Event chairman Beverly Birck chose Jazz Age Paris as the inspiration for the evening, and indeed guests were transported to a lively, carefree era filled with good music, great food and joyful frivolity. Early in the evening, a jazz trio and a champagne tower welcomed guests into Artifact Events’ stunning three-story atrium. A duo of mimes played and teased, enticing guests to forget all their cares and settle into a night of fun with friends old and new.
Woman’s Board President Kate Peterson, Dr. Omar Lateef and Gala Chair Beverly Birck
Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO of Rush University System for Health, gave an impassioned speech about the importance of the Woman’s Board work and the cutting-edge research they are supporting at a time when it is more critical than ever. Beverly Birck, along with Woman’s Board president Kate Peterson, shared similar sentiments before officially inviting guests to the second floor of the venue.
There guests enjoyed a jazz cabaret, glittering casino games, and a dozen food stations, each of which featured food inspired by the various Parisian arrondissements – from steak frites to savory crepes, salad nicoise to foie gras sliders, along with a lovely miniature dessert display. While guests gambled with imaginary money and feasted on very real cuisine, magician George Stanton walked amongst the crowd, delighting guests and leaving them to wonder just how he did it.
Jazz cabaret performance
Lance Oaten of Lugano with Liz Kores and Sarah Lyons
Echoing the evening’s theme of incredible elegance, Beverly and Kate were adorned in jewels by Lugano, the distinguished jewelry house located on Oak Street. Beloved Chicago designer Steve Stolman also dressed Beverly in one of his signature silk taffeta ball skirts.
Debra Beck and Catherine Van Leer
Katie and Jim Slater
Mike Klein and Phoebe McMillen
Sponsors for the gala were The Garlands of Barrington, Latham & Watkins, Reed Construction, 2×2 Healthcare, Rabine Foundation, Byline Bank, Colliers, Excel Dowel and Wood Products, and Chad Essington from The North Central Group @ Morgan Stanley.
Kate Peterson, President of the Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center, told us: “I could not be more proud of Bev and her committee for bringing such creativity, enthusiasm, and hands-on dedication to this year’s Fall Benefit. Their work was inspiring, and so too was the outpouring of support from our guests. It is heartening to see so many come together in such a joyful way to champion Rush and its pioneering efforts to advance medical care.”
Beverly Birck added: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the success of the event and deeply grateful to my committee and our generous sponsors for making such a lively, memorable night possible.”
A friendly game of black jack
Brett and Margaret Nelson
Melissa Brown and Dina Brown
Photography: Noah Gelfman
