Alexian Ball Raises Nearly $800,000 for Behavioral Medicine

It was an evening filled with the wonder of wildlife when nearly 500 guests united amidst the silhouette of city skyscrapers for the 32nd Annual Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur on Saturday, May 5th at the Lincoln Park Zoo. A warm spring evening welcomed supporters of the Alexian Brothers mission as they mixed elegance with exploration for one of the most unique settings of the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s annual philanthropic gala. The enthusiasm was reflected in the evening’s success as guests, along with the presenting sponsor Superior Ambulance Service and 30 corporate sponsors, helped to raise nearly $800,000 to help transform bodies, minds and spirits of community members recovering from substance use and behavioral health disorders.

Refined décor adorned the main tent which featured brilliant chandeliers, blooming centerpieces and gold accents for the “Safari Under the Stars” themed gala complete with a delectable four-course gourmet dinner and upbeat dance music by TC Squared. Alexian Brothers Ball guests were invited to gander at the African lions, gaze at the graceful harbor and grey seals at Kovler Seal Pool or take a whirl around the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel. In addition, Lincoln Park Zoo experts were on hand to share stories about the animals including the Japanese snow monkeys swinging in the treetops of the Regenstein Macaque Forest. The event program incorporated an exciting Silent Auction and compelling video telling the journeys of two children on the autism spectrum and the vital support provided by AMITA Health Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center team members.

Mistress of Ceremonies Robin Robinson, Director of Community Affairs for the Chicago Police Department, brought her respected broadcasting experience to the stage as she welcomed Ball guests and introduced Mary Franco, Vice President, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., to give the toast, followed by Michael Benoit, Alexian Brothers Foundation Board Chair, for the invocation.

“Tonight we spotlight the needs of those on the autism spectrum and continue our crusade to break the stigma associated with mental illness and psychiatric disorders,” shared Mark Frey, President and CEO, AMITA Health and Alexian Brothers Health System. He went on to thank the many guests for their support and the impact they will make on the lives of so many in need.

The Live Auction garnered great excitement with some of the top items going for record bids, including an African Safari Experience of a Lifetime in Cape Town, South Africa for $20,000, legendary Elton John “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” concert package for $11,000, and a Costa Rica seven-night vacation for $11,000. The Silent and Reverse Auctions contributed more than $200,000 to the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s philanthropic effort to reach more individuals and families in the area communities who need behavioral health services.

The Alexian Brothers began their healthcare mission more than 800 years ago in Europe and more locally in 1866 – on Dearborn Street and eventually Belden Avenue in Chicago – not far from this year’s venue for the Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur. Since the first Ball in 1987, the Alexian Brothers Foundation has welcomed over 22,000 guests and raised more than $8 million for programs that administer compassionate healthcare and housing services to Chicago-area residents.

This year’s Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur attracted the support of 31 local corporations and generous donors including: Presenting Sponsor ($100,000): Superior Ambulance Service (Elmhurst); Diamond Level ($50,000) sponsors: Bear Construction Company (Rolling Meadows), Mr. David’s Foundation (Itasca) and Walsh Construction (Chicago); Platinum Level ($25,000) sponsors: Power Construction (Chicago); Gold Level ($15,000) sponsors: Alliance Pathology Consultants (Elk Grove Village/Hoffman Estates), AMITA Health Medical Group Cardiovascular Associates (Elk Grove Village), Elk Grove Radiology (Elk Grove Village), Medical Center Anesthesia, Ltd. at St. Alexius Medical Center (Hoffman Estates), Nixon Peabody (Chicago) and NTT DATA Services, LLC (Plano, TX); Silver Level ($10,000) sponsors: ITW (Glenview), Kaufman, Hall & Associates, Inc. (Skokie), Moveo (Chicago), and Northwest Oncology & Hematology, S.C. (Rolling Meadows); Bronze Level ($7,500) sponsors: Berry Electric Contracting Company (Berkeley), Dickerson Engineering (Niles), Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP (Chicago), Kare Hospital Medicine (Hoffman Estates), Lyon Family Foundation (Chicago), ManorCare (Elk Grove Village), Medical & Dental Association of St. Alexius Medical Center (Hoffman Estates), Poblocki Sign Company (Milwaukee, WI), Radiological Consultants of Woodstock (Woodstock), SCM Connections (Indianapolis, IN), Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Chicago), Suburban Lung Associates, S.C. (Elk Grove Village) and TEAMHealth (Rosemont); and Pearl Level ($5,000) sponsors: atheanhealth (Watertown, MA), Super Electric Construction Company (Chicago), and Sebert Landscape (Bartlett).

The Alexian Brothers Foundation raises money to support the not-for-profit AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Health System, which is based in Arlington Heights, Ill. Philanthropic support sustains mission-critical programs that enhance clinical care, ensure housing and social services for individuals impacted by mental illness, homelessness and HIV/AIDS, and promote the overall health and well-being of the community.

About AMITA Health

AMITA Health (www.AMITAhealth.org ) is a joint operating company formed by the Adventist Health System in Altamonte Springs, Fla., and St. Louis-based Ascension. With the addition of Presence Health, AMITA Health is now the largest health system in Illinois, comprising 19 hospitals and more than 230 sites of care. The newly combined health system has 900 providers in its medical groups, more than 26,000 associates and 7,000 physician partners and now serves over 4.3 million residents in the greater Chicagoland area.