From Hollywood to Bollywood, Service Club gala puts hope in the spotlight

The Service Club of Chicago brought a little Hollywood magic and Bollywood sparkle to the Palmer House on Oct. 17 for its 136th annual gala, “From Hollywood to Bollywood: Every Story Begins with Hope.” With a red-carpet welcome, colorful décor and lively entertainment, the evening paired old Hollywood glamour with the exuberance of Indian cinema, all in support of Chicagoland nonprofits.

Co-chaired by Tina Gravel, Munira Patel and Jenna Rummelhart, the evening blended Golden Age Hollywood nostalgia with the vibrant colors, music and dance of Bollywood.

The theme came to life from the moment guests arrived. A red carpet and step-and-repeat set the stage for a Hollywood-style entrance, while silver screen icons, courtesy of ZZAZZ Productions, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn greeted attendees. During cocktail hour, the spotlight shifted to the nonprofit organizations supported by Service Club grants, with their work and impact presented in movie-poster format.

Inside, the ballroom transformed into a Bollywood-inspired setting, complete with jewel tones, gold accents and twinkling lights. Silvana Events created the décor, while the entertainment brought the theme to the dance floor.

Movement of Desis, a Chicago-based dance collective known for blending traditional Desi styles with hip-hop, Chicago footwork, house and other global influences, energized the program with a performance and dance class. Arlen Music returned as the evening’s band, with an East Indian drummer adding to the festivities.

The menu offered its own international touch, with East Indian-inspired selections alongside classic favorites. Guests enjoyed vegetable samosas, coconut-crusted shrimp and masala-roasted salmon, as well as grilled tenderloin and a vegetarian orecchiette entrée. Dessert included Palmer House brownies, raspberry tarts and assorted cake pops.

Beyond the glamour and entertainment, the evening focused on the people and organizations at the heart of the Service Club’s work. SC President Sally Jo Pfaff shared the gala’s message: every nonprofit has a story to tell, every person it serves has a story of their own, and donors help make the next chapter possible. Through its grants, the organization helps nonprofits expand, improve and launch programs that serve people across Chicagoland.

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came when Matthew Rizzo of Gateway to Learning shared his personal story. Diagnosed with an exceptionally rare condition, Rizzo spoke about refusing to let it define him. A musician and poet, Special Olympics athlete and recent performer, he credited Gateway with helping him build confidence, develop his abilities and strengthen his social connections.

John Ratzenberger, COO of Gateway to Learning, also spoke on behalf of the nonprofit, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and support for individuals with disabilities. Rizzo’s heartfelt remarks brought the evening’s theme into focus, showing how the right support can help people discover their abilities and pursue their potential.

The evening also featured a live auction led by auctioneer Marin Hindman, with travel, dining and luxury experiences among the offerings. Highlights included a Naples yacht experience, a private-chef dinner featuring Chef Aleks Bond and more. A paddle raise, titled “The Next Great Story,” invited guests to contribute additional funds for the organizations and the people they serve. A Golden Raffle awarded a Chanel bag to winner and SC member Kathy Piccone.

With its mix of movie-star nostalgia, Bollywood beats and a moving personal story from Gateway to Learning, the gala celebrated the Service Club’s 136-year commitment to helping Chicagoland communities thrive.

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