The 25th Annual “Green Tie Ball” Returns As Chicago Gateway Green Celebrates Its 30th Year

Saturday, October 1 at Architectural Artifacts

Chicago, IL – The Green Tie Ball, Chicago’s favorite gala charity event, is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with its biggest night yet on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N Ravenswood). Masters of Ceremonies, WGN Radio’s Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes, will preside over the event as Chicago luminaries, notables and 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!”

Excitingly, the City of Chicago has introduced a new resolution that proclaims Sept 26-Oct 2 to be “Gateway Green Week.” Several prominent downtown buildings including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and The Intercontinental Hotel will “go green” with green lights throughout that week to show support.

The 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, Chicago Gateway Green is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

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 Green Tie Ball 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 Green Tie Ball 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 scores of 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 Steakhouse and more! Eli’s Cheesecake will be serving a giant 30th anniversary celebratory cheesecake for dessert. Premium open bars will serve top shelf signature cocktails featuring brands such as KetelOne Vodka. Guests will dance the night away while enjoying sets from notable Chicago DJ’s including, DJ Rock City and DJ Eddie Mills. Renowned DJ and musician Samantha Ronson will also take the stage. Live entertainment includes a set from popular cover band Dr. Bombay, which includes Chicago Gateway Green Vice Chairman, Lee Golub as drummer. Throughout the night, guests can try their chance with lady luck with charitable gaming stations from Rivers Casino.

The Green Tie Ball, presented by PNC Bank, benefits Chicago Gateway Green, which maintains beautiful and sustainable landscapes throughout the city. Since its 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.

“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 & NS Magazine, KetelOne Vodka, Goose Island, Moët & Chandon, Edna Valley Wines, Don Julio, WGN AM720 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 on Facebook and Twitter for further updates and information.  Twitter: @Gateway_Green | Facebook: Chicago Gateway Green

PR Contact: Victoria Kent / Victoria@VictoriaKentPR.com / 815.529.1910. https://www.facebook.com/GatewayGreen