Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation Gala "Let the Good Times Stroll"

You knew the event was going to be special when the invitation stated that the cocktail reception would be held in an alley! The Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation hosted its 19^th annual gala, “Let the Good Times Stroll,” at the Palmer House Hilton on Oct. 20 with part of the cocktail reception held in Couch Place Alley (located north of Randolph St. between State and Dearborn). The evening’s theme referred to the Loop’s resiliency and beauty during this crucial time and celebrated the district’s ongoing recovery. Over 350 Loop stakeholders and civic luminaries attended the event with many joining in for the New Orleans style parade led by the Windy City Ramblers.

“Bringing the Big Easy to the City of Broad Shoulders only further enhanced the Loop’s unique nature of iconic architecture surrounded by unknown surprises around every corner,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Let the Good Times Stroll brought joy to not only our gala attendees, but to the many Chicagoans and visitors along State Street who cheered and took photos of us along the way. The event showcased the cities’ sister spirit of resiliency through music, dance and culture while creating a lively atmosphere of fellowship and fundraising.”

Revelers parade-strolled along State St. to the Palmer House along with the marching New Orleans-style band and flamboyantly dressed samba dancers from Sambrazilian as delighted onlookers clapped and snapped photos. There were two bline parades to ensure all guests had an opportunity to join in.

By the time everyone arrived at the hotel they were in full party mode. The band stayed in the ballroom and played as guests mixed and mingled during the cocktail reception. In the hallway outside, a photographer was stationed in front of a step-and-repeat to capture all the fun memories and fantastic costumes donned by many of the guests.

To open the program, the Sambrazilian dancers took to the dance floor, shaking their tail feathers and encouraging guests to join them. Rich Gamble, Board Chair of Chicago Loop Alliance and Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, welcomed guests and invited everyone to embrace the Loop, the 2^nd largest central business district in the U.S. He shared the news that Chicago was named the 2^nd best city in the world by TimeOut; the fastest growing residential downtown in the U.S. and was awarded the best big city in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler for the 7^th year in a row.  A video presentation portrayed Chicagoans as the city’s cheerleaders.

Following the program, guests enjoyed a lavish buffet inspired by New Orleans cuisine. Dishes included beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, Cajun mac and cheese, roasted Creole potatoes, muffuletta deviled eggs, and more, with bananas foster for dessert. The festive night concluded with dancing to Davina and the Vagabonds.

“Let the Good Times Stroll” was presented by Pressure Washing Systems with support from Gold Sponsors Brightview Landscape Services, ComEd, Hard Surface Finishers, Hiltons of Chicago, Wintrust, and Yellowstone Landscape; and additional support from ABC7 Chicago/WLS-TV, Acadia Realty Trust, Auditorium Theatre, Bannerville, Broadway In Chicago, CIBC, CIRCLE Foundation, Concorde New Media, DL3 Realty, Draper and Kramer, EQ Office, Faegre Drinker, Heron Agency, The Joffrey Ballet, JW Marriott Chicago, Macy’s, Mid-America Real Estate Group, Millennium Garages, Millennium Park Plaza, Morningstar, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, and Semmer Landscape.

The annual event generated more than $236,000 to support Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation initiatives including Sundays on State, The Gateway and more.