City Seen: Eversight Gift of Sight Celebration

The Cause: Eversight hosted its annual Gift of Sight Celebration, this year themed “Circus of Dreams,” at the Peninsula Chicago with a sell-out crowd. The event honored Kathy Piccone as the Woman of Vision and Dr. Ali Djalilian as its Gift of Sight honoree. Eversight helps restore sight and prevent blindness through corneal transplantation and vision research.

The Setting: Tamar Productions had fun with the event’s décor theme this year, tenting the entire ballroom in black and white to represent a party under the big top. Guests embraced the theme as well dressing in colorful attire with some even wearing top hats and elaborate masquerade masks. ZZAZZ Productions provided a “ring master” and gaily dressed “circus lady” to add whimsy and wonderful photo opportunities for the evening. Hocky great Chris Chelios and his partner NFL star Jim Bob Morris were on hand serving their new brand of tequila, El Bandido Yankee, during cocktail hour.

The Scene: Woman of Vision honoree Kathy Piccone accepted her award with a heartfelt speech thanking Peg Lombardo, Gibsons Steakhouse co-owner, for hiring her. She was presented with her award by last year’s honoree Justine Fedak. Gift of Sight honoree, Dr. Ali Djalilian, was presented with his award by Dr. Parag Magmudar, last year’s honoree. The evening also included an aerialist who performed during dinner, a live auction and paddle raise conducted by John P. Walcher, a heads or tails game, the Michael Lerich Trio, and a DJ who had the crowd on the dance floor into the wee hours. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Candid Candace Jordan)