Chicago — March 17, 2015 — The Children's Place Association's annual Once Upon a Time Gala will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Chicago's Union Station. The black-tie event supports services for children confronting illness and extreme poverty in Chicago and in the Caribbean.
Television personality and entrepreneur Bill Rancic will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the charity gathering, which is expected to attract 400-500 guests.
This year, The Children's Place Association will honor Zurich North America as the Chicago Champion for Children. The award recognizes the company's outstanding commitment to programs aimed at building a brighter tomorrow for vulnerable children and youth.
"The annual Once Upon a Time Gala is our largest fundraising event," says Cathy Krieger, CEO of The Children's Place Association. "In addition to being a wonderful evening, it raises necessary revenue so we can continue bringing vital services to hundreds of vulnerable children here in Chicago and in Haiti."
For nearly a quarter century The Children's Place Association has been an innovator of programs to help children overcome health challenges and poverty. Originally focused on those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Chicago-based nonprofit now serves children and families facing a wide range of health issues.
With the theme "Once Upon a Time at Fete du Cirque," the gala will create a circus ambiance in the Great Hall at Union Station, replete with carnival games and colorful pageantry. The evening will also include raffles, an elaborate silent auction, dancing to the music of Greenlight and food by Jewell Events Catering.
The fundraiser is being co-chaired by Bethany Neckvatal of Chicago and Michael Silverman of Northbrook. Tickets for the gala start at $375 per person and sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000 to $25,000. The event is expected to raise more than $485,000 in gross revenue.
For more information on the event or for press access please contact Daniel Dever at 312-660-3031 or ddever@childrens-place.org .
About The Children's Place Association
The Children's Place Association is committed to transforming the future for children in the very worst of circumstances — those challenged by health issues and extreme poverty. Opened in 1991 in response to HIV/AIDS, the charity now serves children confronting numerous health conditions. Programs include early learning, nursing care for medically complex children, family housing, foster/adoptive care and Chicago's only summer day camp for HIV/AIIDS-affected youth. The Children's Place helps more than 350 Chicago-area children and caregivers annually. Its overseas initiative brings vital services to 330 vulnerable children in Haiti. For more information, visit childrens-place.org or call 312-733-9954.
Bill Rancic to Emcee April 18th Charity Ball for The Children's Place Association
Television personality and entrepreneur Bill Rancic will serve as Master of Ceremonies for The Children's Place Association's April 18th Once Upon a Time Gala at Union Station in Chicago. The black-tie event raises funds to help children facing illness and extreme poverty. At the event, Zurich North America will be honored as the Chicago Champion for Children, recognizing the company's outstanding commitment to programs aimed at building a brighter tomorrow for vulnerable children. Tickets for the fundraiser start at $375 per person. For information, visit childrens-place.org or call 312-660-3030.