Shooting star decorations that soared overhead were created by Gala Chair and Oak Park Auxiliary Board member, Greta Landis, who enjoyed the evening with her husband Jeff Landis.
Guests sipped champagne in a vast elevator hung with glittering stars and a chandelier as they ascended to the 5th floor Skyline Loft in the former Spiegel catalog warehouse, now known as Bridgeport Art Center. More than 470 guests helped Hephzibah Children’s Association Celebrate the Stars Among Us, at the Heart of Gold Ball, March 7.
Food Network star, Jeff Mauro, employed his natural charm to boost live auction bids for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to NYC, donated by Jeff and his wife Sarah, to attend the closed taping of his daytime tv show, The Kitchen.
Mauro’s parents and siblings were there to see him receive Hephzibah’s Heart of Gold Award for outstanding achievement in raising awareness for disadvantaged children. A fan of Hephzibah since his mother Pam served on the board of directors; Mauro has competed in Food Network challenges to raise money and support for Hephzibah – most recently on Guy’s Grocery Games, hosted by Guy Fiori.
Kathy Nugent, a beloved member of the Hephzibah day care staff, won the Heart of the Home Award for her 40 years of dedicated service to children and families. Nugent received a standing ovation as she rose to accept her award.
The crowd was energized to hit the dance floor after a competitive live auction, which included floor seats to a Bull’s game, tickets to The Who, and two chances to sing onstage that evening with The Becca Kaufman Orchestra.
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Honoree Jeff Mauro offered a foot rub to entice live auction bidders as they competed for a trip for two to NYC to see Mauro’s show, The Kitchen.
Eric Sorensen, Hephzibah board president honors Kathy Nugent.
From left to right, Pam Mauro, Mary Anne Brown, Jeff Mauro, and his wife Sarah Mauro.
Nikki Mead and Lisa Chorzempa love the dance floor.