After years of taking guests on virtual tours of exotic destinations throughout the world from South Beach to Spain, and Ireland to Iceland, the annual House and Social Services Agency sailed into home port, Jan. 10 at The House of Blues. The chilly Chicago night went hot with jazz, comedy, dance, and divas. Celebrants threw off all reserve when Queer Eye for the Straight Guy stars Ted Allen and Kyan Douglas showed to join Fox News in the Morning anchor Tamron Hall to MC. More than 500 guests raised over $150,000 for Chicago House. Some of the hottest auction items included two round-trip business class tickets to Switzerland plus a week-long stay in Zurich for $5,000 to Tim Hanley. Taking a cue from the Queer Guys, Nate Berkus offered a full make-over including gym spa day, cooking classes, theatre tickets and personal training sessions that was won by Jeff Todd for $1,500. A round-trip to Los Angeles and to a taping of Will & Grace went to Martin Gorbian for a hefty $2,700. ‘Tonight’s homecoming celebrates over 25 individuals from around the globe who have worked diligently for Chicago House since its founding,’ said Rev. Stan Sloan, CEO of Chicago House. ‘Chicago House has touched over 1,250 lives since our founding and tonight’s ‘Coming Home’ pays tribute to those who have been so generous.’ Guests came from as far away as Los Angeles, Denver, and Amsterdam. Names in the news included the Founder’s Award presented to Mary Ann Knepper who started working for Chicago House as a volunteer in 1988 and Judith C. Rice, City Treasurer for the annual Public Service Award. Even Gov. Rod Blagojevich joined the festivities by opening a 10-minute video that addressed the outstanding work of Chicago House. The evening was capped off by a performance by Circuit Mom Productions that poked fun at the Madonna and Britney Spears kiss. Other performers included the Baton Showgirls, Guitarist Carlos Bendfelt, Suzanne Palmer and John Moulder jazz quartet.
Pictured Ted Allen, Tamron Hall, and Jeremy Hilborn of Chicago House. Ryan Barrett, Steve Cole, Arnie Cuarenta, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Jeremy Hilborn, and Shawn Toth. ‘Britney Spears’ and Circuit Mom in a spoof of the Britney/Madonna kiss. Photos by Maximum Profile Group and Male Image Photography