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Published on Monday, 20 February 2012 14:19
Next Sunday evening, the organization Autism Speaks will be holding an Academy Award-themed party to benefit children with autism, as well as their families struggling with autism, the complex neurobiological disorder which affects one out of every 110 children. Chicago media personalities from radio and television will be taking part in this star-studded event.
The benefit event, entitled "An Evening with the Stars," will take place next on February 26th at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, located at 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont, IL, beginning at 5:30pm. The Oscar party will bring Hollywood-style glitz and glamor to Chicagoland. It will feature red-carpet arrivals of celebrity guests, pre-show interviews broadcast live on the big screen, live music, a multi-media segments on the autism, auctions with prizes ranging from dinner-theater packages to all-expense paid trips to Hollywood & New York City, and a live viewing of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, telecast on multiple giant screens inside the Hyatt's Grand Ballroom.
The night begins at 5:00pm with WMAQ-TV's Stefan Holt and Kim Vatis, who will be the hosts of the VIP pre-event reception within the revolving restaurant on the roof of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Ventanas. At the VIP party, there will be live entertainment and special guests, getting the VIPs ready before making their way down the red carpet.
Starting at 6:15pm, the red carpet guests arrive. Welcoming and interviewing the VIPs on the red carpet will be Ted Brunson, co-host of WGN-TV/CLTV's "Chicago's Best," alongside Patti Vasquez, top Chicago comedienne who may be familiar to Chicago radio fans as a frequent guest and contributor to Steve Cochran's WGN-AM show. With movie theme music playing in the background, the witty red carpet interviews will be broadcast live on the big screens inside the Grand Ballroom.
At 6:30pm, the pre-show celebration kicks into gear inside the Grand Ballroom. Guests will be able to enjoy an open bar featuring movie-themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Guests can also check out and begin bidding on the wide array of auction and raffle items. Chicago radio & television sports broadcasting/sport talk legend Chet Coppock will serve as this year's celebrity auctioneer. Chet will be working the crowds, not only during the pre-show celebration, but also during the commercial breaks of the main show, working on getting larger and most unique auction items sold to the highest bidder.
7:30pm begins the big show, as the 84th Annual Academy Awards will be broadcast throughout the ballroom. During this period WGN-AM's midday host, John Williams will serve as the event's host and Master of Ceremonies. During each commercial break, guests will shown special presentations, be treated to different types of live entertainment, enjoy raffle drawings, and experience some live auctions. In addition to Chet Coppock's auctions, John Williams, Ted Brunson and Patti Vasquez will entertain the audience with raffle segments and fun guest interviews. Live music will be provided by famed Chicago recording artists Andrew Salgado and Jim Peterik.
Special guests scheduled to be a part of this big event include: WGN-AM host and Chicago Tribune writer Rick Kogan, WGN-TV/CLTV reporter/anchor Judie Garcia, Telemundo-Chicago sports anchor Oscar Guzman, Telemundo-Chicago Meteorologist Maricela Vazquez, comedian/actor/TV & radio personality Aaron Freeman, numerous former Chicago Bears & Blackhawks players, the Mayor of Rosemont and numerous Illinois State politicians, and many others. Making appearances via video will be WGN-TV/WGN-AM host/entertainment reporter Dean Richards and Chicago-born actor Joe Mantegna.
All proceeds from the Hollywood-themed fundraiser "An Evening with the Stars" will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families.
Autism Speaks is hoping to raise $110,000 with this event. Tickets begin at $150 for individuals, or between $1,500 to $5,000 for tables of four to ten people. Premiere table purchases will include an all-inclusive evening starting with the special pre-show VIP reception inside the Ventanas restaurant. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 224-567-8573 or visit
EveningWithTheStars.org.
Earlier this month, tickets were sold out, however, the Hyatt Regency O'Hare has recently expanded the size of the ballroom to accommodate a few more guests just for this event. Tickets are available once again, but could soon be gone. Those interested in being art of this big event need to act fast.
