Celebrating its 20th year this year gave attendees a variety of ways to donate, including gambling with bidding money and live auctions. Timothy Smithe of Walter E. Smithe furniture stores was present with his partner as Gateway Green (which aims to beautify the Chicagoland area) hosted the event, along with Stephanie Castagnier of NBC’s The Apprentice.
Fifty restaurants were featured, with tables offering everything from appetizers to tacos and sandwiches. Offerings of jambalaya from Big Jones and Rosebud’s mushroom ravioli were highlights. Guests finished their dining experiences with Eli’s Cheesecake.
Toyota sponsored the new Prius with test cars parked in the lot. Auction items included trips to attend American Idol and tickets to shows around the city. The evening concluded with dancing to a live band and breakdancing Oz characters. For information on donating or attending next year, visit www.gatewaygreen.org or www.greentieballblog.com. Photos for Windy City Times by Jerry Nunn