Over 400 guests danced the night away for charity at The One For The Kids 4th Annual Cocktail Party held on April 28th at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, located on the McDonalds Campus. The party began with Hors doeuvres and the voice of Elliott From, an extremely talented performance artist.
As guests grabbed a few treats and entered the ballroom they were shocked to see one whole wall draped in sheets and Elliot painting live. As he painted the mystery pieces, he played with the audience and tricked them. The paintings were auctioned right on the spot; to a startling response of support form the crowd. Each piece was sold for nearly $2000 invoking a great out pouring of charitable giving. As the performance art ended, the dancing began. The endless, intoxicating sound of the Paul Windsor Orchestra took guests to their feet in frenzy.
A brief interruption in the musical ensemble allowed for the introduction of the 2013 host family, the Salverredys, as well as the three charities that One For The Kids donates to every year; Benton House, Special Olympics Chicago, and The Heart Institute for Children (THIC). The video is available on our website in its entirety. As the announcements ended, the guests were left to absorb the evenings humbling message of gratitude in their own way. A musical reminder that this was a celebration of success quickly broke through the silence.
As the evening continued, guests were able to wander the large party area in search of treasure. It was not buried, but in the open for guests bidding pleasures. The Silent Auction was a buzz, with large ticket items like trips to resorts as well as, items of legend, like the never tiring signed poster of Pamela Anderson. With Fishbowls, door prizes, and the Super raffle there was something for everyone. Let us not forget the vodka luge, cigar bar, candy bar, photo booth, and wine tasting for guests pleasure throughout the event. As the party began to sail towards the finish, guests on the dance floor erupted into uncontrollable cheering as Rachel and Julio Salverredy took the floor. Rachel who had been in intensive care for several months was well enough to attend the event with the help of an oxygen tank. With overwhelming strength she took the floor and danced like she never been ill. To say tears were flowing would be an understatement. It was the perfect ending to an inspirational evening, and the beginning of a hope-filled year for many thanks to the generosity of you all.