Green Tie Ball celebrates 25 years

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Thursday, September 22, 2016
Green Tie Ball celebrates 25 years
Grant DePorter joined ABC7 News This Morning to speak on the 25th annual Green Tie Ball.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray's Restaurant Group and chairman of Chicago Gateway Green, joined ABC7 News This Morning to speak on the 25th annual Green Tie Ball.

(PRESS RELEASE)

The 25th Annual "Green Tie Ball" Presented by PNC Bank Returns As Chicago Gateway Green Celebrates Its 30th Year

Chicago, IL - The Green Tie Ball Presented by PNC Bank (GTB), one of Chicago's longest-running gala charity events, is celebrating its 25th anniversary Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N Ravenswood, Chicago. GTB is hosted by the nonprofit organization Chicago Gateway Green, which is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago's expressways, gateways and communities. Since inception, 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. Founded in 1986 by Donald J. DePorter, Chicago Gateway Green is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

WGN Radio's Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes will be the Masters of Ceremonies as Chicago celebrities light up the night in honor of this year's theme, "Starry Night."

"Starry Night is a nod to the first Green Tie Ball's theme 'One Enchanted Evening Beneath the Stars'," said Grant DePorter, Chairman of Chicago Gateway Green. "My father, Don DePorter, would have been so proud to see how the city has embraced the Green Tie Ball and how much Gateway Green has grown over the years. I'm especially excited that we have been able to have Neal Zucker and Lara (Shipp) Shiffman, the Green Tie Ball's founding co-chairs, return to oversee our silver anniversary!"

What began as a 500-person party held in the street is now one of the most well-known and exclusive charity fundraising events in Chicago. The Inaugural GTB co-chairs, Lara Shiffman and Neal Zucker, are "getting the band back together" with many of the original committee members returning. For its 25th, the GTB is also going back to its roots with a restricted ticket number to keep the event exclusive and intimate.

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, Gibsons Steakhouse, Mia Francesca, Tavern on Rush, Shaw's Crab House, Harry Caray's Italian Steak House and more! Premium open bars will serve top shelf signature cocktails featuring brands such as Ketel One Vodka. Guests will dance the night away while enjoying sets from notable Chicago DJ's including, DJ Rock City, DJ Dante, DJ Eddie Mills and DJ Justin Jacobson. Live entertainment includes a set from popular cover band Dr. Bombay, which includes Chicago Gateway Green Vice Chairman, Lee Golub as drummer.

"We've been so excited to see how much this event has grown over the past 25 years to become a must attend gala each season. To be included from the beginning has been fantastic", said Co-Chairs Neal Zucker and Lara (Shipp) Shiffman. "Chicago Gateway Green has such a rich history and has done so much good for the city of Chicago. Guests will be wowed by this year's event and we have so many surprises up our sleeves!"

Tickets will be limited to 1,000 guests. Silver Anniversary Tickets are $250, VIP Experience Tickets are $750. Tickets can be purchased at www.gatewaygreen.org.

Event sponsors include PNC Bank, Rivers Casino, ArcelorMittal, Modern Luxury CS and NS Magazine, KetelOne Vodka, Goose Island, Mot & Chandon, WGN Radio AM 720 and Lydia and Pat Ryan.

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

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