Lights, camera, philanthropy! The Service Club of Chicago is taking its annual gala in a colorful new direction this fall with “From Hollywood to Bollywood: Every Story Begins with Hope,” a night that promises plenty of glamour along with the organization’s signature spirit of giving.

The 136th annual gala takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Palmer House, where Tina Gravel, Munira Patel and Jenna Rummelhart are serving as co-chairs.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Guests can choose from beef, fish or vegetarian entrées, with entertainment provided by Arlen Music and Movement of Desis.

And this is one gala where the dress code comes with plenty of room for creativity. Attire is “Creative Black Tie,” with guests encouraged to channel either Hollywood glamour or Bollywood style. In other words, this is not the night to play it safe with the little black dress.

The theme goes beyond the décor and fashion. The Service Club is using the idea of storytelling to spotlight the nonprofit organizations it supports and the people whose lives are changed through those grants. The club’s message for the evening is simple: every nonprofit has a story, every person served has a story, and every donor helps write the next chapter.

The gala is the Service Club’s major annual fundraising event, supporting its philanthropic grant program for nonprofits throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Founded in 1890, the all-volunteer, women-led organization awards grants that help enlarge, improve and initiate programs in the social service, health, education and cultural sectors.

And then there are the auction temptations. This year’s live auction lineup is enough to make even the most disciplined bidder reconsider that budget.

Lot 1 is a Parisian experience with a serious fashion pedigree, featuring a private styling session at the Fendi Atelier and tea at the Plaza Athénée, along with a two-night junior-suite stay and breakfast at the Bristol Hotel. The hotel portion alone is listed at a $10,400 value. The Fendi experience takes guests into the Maison’s private apartment for a personalized styling consultation and a look at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s new collection, followed by French pâtisserie and tea at the Plaza Athénée.

Lot 3 brings a little old-Hollywood glamour to the evening with a fabulous white mink bolero coat, a one-of-a-kind luxury piece with a $7,900 retail value.

Lot 4 puts the dinner party in the hands of private chef Aleks Bond, offering an exclusive private-chef dining experience for six featuring world-class cuisine served at home.

Lot 5 heads to Naples for a luxury getaway that includes a private yacht experience, dinner for eight at Chez Boet and golfing for two.

And for those dreaming of a little Hollywood magic, Lot 6 offers an L.A. experience that includes a visit to the studio and an on-set experience with Amy Poehler Comedy, a stay at The Peninsula Hotel and dinner.

There is also a Fund-a-Need paddle raise, with giving levels ranging from $136 to $10,000. The $136 option is a nod to the organization’s 136 years of holding its gala.

With Paris, Naples, Los Angeles, haute fashion and private dining all on the bidding block, the auction should be one of the evening’s biggest attractions. But the real point of the night remains the work behind the glamour: helping the Service Club continue its longstanding tradition of supporting organizations and programs that make a difference throughout Chicago.

So come dressed for Hollywood or Bollywood, bring your bidding paddle and be prepared to spend an evening where the entertainment is fun, the fashion is encouraged and the giving has a purpose.

The details: The Service Club of Chicago’s 136th Annual Gala, “From Hollywood to Bollywood: Every Story Begins with Hope,” is Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Palmer House, 17 E. Monroe St. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Creative black tie is the dress code. Tickets and sponsorship information are available through The Service Club of Chicago.

(For tickets/more info, click here.)

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