'Devil in the Green City': 26th annual Green Tie Ball
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Green Tie Ball is one of Chicago's longest-running gala charity events.
The 26th annual gala is Friday night. Co-Chairs Beth Heller and Jacky Ferro joined ABC7 News This Morning to talk about this year's theme, "Devil in the White City' and what guests can expect!
PRESS RELEASE
The 26th Annual "Green Tie Ball" Presented By PNC Bank Returns
Friday, September 15 at Artifact Events
Special Guests Include DJ White Shadow and Chicago Fire's Taylor Kinney
Chicago, IL - Presented by PNC Bank, The Green Tie Ball is one of Chicago's longest-running gala charity events and for the first time ever, the gala will be hosted on a Friday night. On Friday, September 15, 2017, Artifact Events (4325 N Ravenswood) will be transformed into 1893 Chicago, but with a green twist.
This year's theme, Devil in The Green City, will give the night a touch of magic, mystery and madness and will offer guests a fun sartorial cue to amp up their black-tie attire. Guests will be treated to twists and surprises throughout the night as they mix and mingle with special guests DJ White Shadow (best known for producing Lady Gaga's Born This Way and Artpop albums) and Chicago Fire's Lieutenant Kelly Severide, Taylor Kinney.
"Each year, we look to create a theme that will capture the imagination of guests and this year is no different. With the release of the highly anticipated film, Devil in The White City in 2017, we thought we would put our own green spin on this popular, local story," said Grant DePorter, Chairman of Chicago Gateway Green.
Green Tie Ball is hosted by the nonprofit organization Chicago Gateway Green, which is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and communities. Founded in 1986 by Donald J. DePorter, Gateway Green has planted more than 4,000 trees, 80,000 shrubs and 130,000 perennials along with the removal of over 1.3 million pounds of litter.
What originally began as a street party, is now one of the most well-known and exclusive charity fundraising events in Chicago. For the first time in its 26-year history, Green Tie Ball will have two female co-chairs, notable Chicago philanthropists, Jacky Ferro and Beth Goldberg Heller spearheading the event.
"The Green Tie Ball is always an exciting evening and I'm thrilled to be a part of this year's event. It's also an honor to co-chair with Jacky Ferro and be the first all-female team," said Beth Goldberg Heller.
Each year, the event is marked by Chicago's top restaurants, multiple stages of eclectic entertainment and a unique indoor-outdoor venue to celebrate the green spaces of the city. This year is no different, with guests sampling gourmet bites from celebrated Chicago favorites including, III Forks, STK Steakhouse, Taco Joint, Texas De Brazil, Katana (due to open late summer), Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse and more. Premium open bars will serve top shelf signature cocktails featuring brands such as KetelOne vodka and Don Julio tequila. Guests will dance the night away while enjoying sets from notable Chicago DJ's including, DJ Rock City. Live entertainment includes a set from popular cover band Dr. Bombay, which includes Chicago Gateway Green Vice Chairman, Lee Golub as drummer.
DJ White Shadow, who will headline the event, has become a household name as a Grammy nominated producer and songwriter for Lady Gaga, Pit Bull, Jennifer Lopez, Austin Mahone and others. He continues to be a sought-after DJ for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nike and Marc Jacobs to name a few. As a much sought-after talent and Music Director of the W Hotels, DJ White Shadow frequently travels the globe headlining at various night life hotspots. Most recently, he teamed up again with Lady Gaga to write and produce her latest hit "The Cure".
American actor Taylor Kinney is known for his starring role on NBC's hit TV series Chicago Fire as Lieutenant Kelly Severide. He can also be seen in roles such as Zero Dark Thirty, The Other Woman and The CW's The Vampire Diaries. Kinney was nominated twice and won The People's Choice Award for "Favorite Dramatic TV Actor".
"Beth Goldberg Heller and I are so excited to be co-chairs this year as the Green Tie Ball is the must attend gala each season", said co-chair Jacky Ferro. "This year's theme is sure to bring about exciting surprises that will wow new attendees as well as those loyal guests who attend each year. We're happy to be working with our all-star event committee to make Green Tie Ball XXVI the best party yet!"
Once again, tickets will be limited to 1,000 guests to insure an intimate and exclusive experience. Gala Tickets are $175/ Early Bird (until July 13) are $150. VIP tickets are $400 and event sponsorships are still available as well. Tickets can be purchased at www.gatewaygreen.org.
Event sponsors include PNC Bank, Rivers Casino, Chicago Magazine, KetelOne Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Lakeshore Beverage, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Cutwater Spirits and WGN Radio AM 720.
About Chicago Gateway Green:
Chicago Gateway Green is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago's gateways, expressway and neighborhoods through landscape enhancement, litter and graffiti removal and the installation of public art.
To learn more about Chicago Gateway Green, please visit gatewaygreen.org. Chicago Gateway Green can also be found @Gateway_Green | Facebook: Chicago Gateway Green
