Rachel Pasquini, Kacky Fetzer, Emily Flaherty, Liz Fetzer and Alona Gornick. (Photo by Sean Su, Purple Photo Co.)
Seven decades of fashion, friendship and philanthropy came together for the Children’s Service Board’s 70th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Show, which raised more than $1.86 million for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
The milestone celebration, held at The Geraghty in Pilsen, brought together more than 600 guests for an evening of fashion and fundraising. Proceeds from the evening event, combined with those from the daytime fashion luncheon held the previous week at The Drake, will benefit Lurie Children’s Chicago Institute for Fetal Health (CIFH), a nationally recognized center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions before birth.
Heather Zimmerman, Wendy Krimins and Tina Koegel. (Photo | Sean Su, Purple Photo Co.)
The impressive fundraising total also marks the beginning of a new four-year, $5 million commitment by the Children’s Service Board to Lurie Children’s, its largest philanthropic pledge in the organization's history. The commitment will support groundbreaking research, perinatal mental health initiatives and practical assistance for families facing high-risk pregnancies, including help with parking, meals and transportation during treatment.
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As Illinois’ leading fetal center and one of a select number of medical institutions worldwide with the expertise to perform life-changing interventions before birth, CIFH provides specialized care for mothers and babies facing some of the most challenging medical circumstances. Its work extends well beyond delivery, offering families a continuum of care that can continue through childhood and beyond.
Lizzie Kirchner, Cathryn Schmaltz and Mary Watts. (Photo | Sean Su, Purple Photo Co.)
But while the medical mission was the reason everyone gathered, the evening delivered plenty of fashion and entertainment, too.
The celebration began with a cocktail reception featuring food stations from some of Chicago’s popular dining destinations, including The Alston, Le Colonial and STK. Guests then took their seats for a runway presentation curated by longtime partner and exclusive retail sponsor Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Building on the success of the daytime show at The Drake, the evening production featured more than 50 looks in a decidedly glamorous presentation designed for the occasion.
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A paddle raise and live auction added to the night's fundraising momentum, while dessert offerings from several of Chicago's favorite sweet shops provided a fitting finish.
One of the most memorable moments came when eight-year-old Lurie Children’s patient Mila appeared onstage with her big brother, Gianluca. Mila holds a special place in the hospital's history as its first patient to undergo fetal surgery for spina bifida while still in utero. Her appearance offered guests a deeply personal reminder of the medical advances their generosity helps make possible and the families whose lives are changed by them.
The 70th anniversary celebration was hosted by the 60-member Children’s Service Board, led by President Renee Stock, with Karyn Kruschka and Cassidy Neveux serving as co-chairs. The organization supports Lurie Children’s through fundraising, philanthropy and volunteerism, with the Gold Coast Fashion Show remaining its signature annual event.
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