The Sun Times
By laura amann lamann March 12, 2012 9:48PM
(from left) Ann Neumann, Bob and Donna Cellini, Jane Christman, Maureen Beal and Jim Christman | Stacia Timonere~for Sun-Times Media
Event: Big City Night in Morocco
Benefiting: Aspire Children’s Services
Attending: 385
Raised: $211,000
ARTICLE EXTRAS
More than 385 guests traveled to the exotic locale of Morocco on Feb. 25 when Aspire held their premier event of the season, Big City Night in Morocco, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
The evening raised $211,000 for Aspire Children’s Services, which offers comprehensive programs for infants and young children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Guests were greeted in a large, elegant tent, setting the tone for the event. Once inside, a henna artist decorated palms, arms and backs with elegant, traditional designs, some highlighting the word Aspire.
Following a Moroccan meal, NBC-Channel 5 weekend anchor and reporter Lisa Parker served as host and presented the Geraldine Post Breaker Award, Building Their Future, to Tony Dreyfuss of Metropolis Coffee.
Dreyfuss was instrumental in developing the Aspire Coffeeworks brand which is sold in Chicago area Whole Foods stores as well as online at aspirecoffeeworks.com. In addition to having all coffee sale proceeds go toward Aspire services, Metropolis Coffee also employs participants of Aspire who help pack and sort the coffee.
“Tony (Dreyfuss) has been our biggest advocate, supporter and cheerleader,” said Erik Johnson, vice president for advancement at Aspire. “Our partnership with Metropolis has been an amazing way to support our mission and it wouldn’t be possible without him.”
Live auction items included a private home in Nags Head, N.C. and a meet-and-greet media tour of local media outlets.
The evening ended with a belly dancer performance. Inspired by their energy, guests hit the dance floor until the early hours.
“We hope the evening brings awareness to how our services help children and their families learn crucial skills,” says Johnson. “The sooner we can start providing the services, the better they do.”
The Big City Night gala specifically assists the children’s programs at Aspire. Each year, Aspire assists more than 300 children with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. The family-centered services help children with special needs gain independence and reach their unique potential.
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