Stars Jersey Boys, John Coltrane, Easter Seals, and Maria Pinto
I’ve been seeing stars in Chicago all week!
The week began with a fundraiser Monday evening at North Pond Restaurant in Lincoln Park starring the Jersey Boys, on their night off!
View From The North Pond
“Chicago’s own” Lou Canellis the Bears Sports Announcer was Master of Ceremonies.
The Jersey Boys wove their magic. They were personable, lively, and fun. Between songs—”not from the show,” they shared their stories, and donated themselves for auction.
Jersey Boys Generous Donations
The active bidding between guests became so competitive the Jersey Boys offered duplicate evenings…”as their guests for the show and a backstage tour.” Doubling their generous donation for the North Pond Master Fund and Lincoln Park Conservancy.
North Pond Restaurant Ready for the Guests
The North Pond Restaurant shared the spotlight with its Prairie-style, skirted tables, candlelight, trays of delicious hors-d’oeuvres, wines, and a staff that was attentive, understated, and solid.
Lucky me, I volunteer as a North Pond Gardener and was asked to volunteer that evening.
It sure beats pulling out thistles!
Prickly Little Pests
Volunteer Gardeners
Friday Night SPACE in Evanston spotlighted another star:
John Coltrane Tribute Tenor Sax "Giant Steps"
John Coltrane with a Birthday Tribute.
I went with my friend Ruth.
We loved it!
But “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” Elvis Costello.
Beat of the Piano Player's "Giant Steps''
“ When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups I want to speak to their souls. All a musician can do is to get closer to the sources of nature, and so feel that he is in communion with the natural laws.” …John Coltrane
Saturday brings more Stars in the spotlight.
Easter Seals Long Fashion Runway
“The Easter Seals Superstars Live!” 29th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show of Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region. A fashion show where the models are the children with disabilities who make the brave walk down that long runway.
ABC News Anchor Sylvia Perez was the guest commentator, her understanding, sincerity and appreciation of the life journey ahead for the children, and the unsung heroes on or off the runway, the families, teachers, therapists, staff, and volunteers who work with them daily was simpatico. She’s been here before and once again did a fantastic job.
Matthew Hansen acted as the Fashion Show Youth Ambassador. Matthew has achieved a great many goals, “his accomplishments include drinking from a straw, feeding himself with assistance, scooting himself out of a wheelchair and walking with a walker, and interacting with teachers, family and friends using augmentative communication.” Matthew started at the center when he was 10 months old and is now a senior at York High School.
Protection, Courage, and Strength
Cheering Triumphant
A Man Is Never So Tall...
A fashion show where “each child on the runway embodies the mission of Easter Seals to enable infants, children and adults with disabilities to achieve maximum independence, and to provide support for the families who love and care for them.”
Families Stepping Together
Renee's Mama Watches
Please Try Again...
I watch them take halting steps, full of effort.
I think of John Coltrane’s 1960 jazz album, “Giant Steps,” watch each step, face, effort. Applaud.
And keep buying chances.
That say Please Try Again.
Reminded of my fortune cookie quote:
A journey must begin with a single step.
“Giant Steps!” I cheer.
Taking "Giant Steps"
I watch caring parents, families, siblings, friends, therapists, teachers and staff, pushing, holding hands, carrying, feeding, propping-up, guiding the children, patient and loving.
See their progress from year to year and cheer more!
The show continues with models wearing Chicago Designer Maria Pinto and other contributing designers’ collections.
Chicago Designer Maria Pinto's Collection
Psychedelic Swirls Sashay
Surrounded by a galaxy of love, gratitude, and appreciation, Craig’s face beams as he carries Renee the rest of the way… after her first “Giant Steps” on the runway.
Stars Above Cloud Nine
Chicago the “City of Big Shoulders” and bigger heart.
Wow, Love it!!
I love it too! The halo over Craig and Renee’s heads is devine!
What can I say? I love the way your words and pictures captured the day. Your writing and your blog are outstanding!
We are so grateful for your love and support; and the love and support of everyone in the family and in our lives. I think that your writing captures the depth of emotions that our family is justifably proud of.
It’s easy to beam when you’re gazing upon a sea of unconditional love.
The halo effect! Bryan’s right!
My family’s awesome.
How lucky we are and thanks for your support of my blog!
Beautiful!
Another fabulous week in the life of Adagio. Thanks for sharing this day with us, and the beautiful photo’s.
Your life around town, makes for great entertainment, especially when your stuck home with the flu, from my eyes Adagio, its good to be you.
God Bless and keep doing what you do. Lucky us to have you!
You bring heaven to earth with your pictures and commentary. The children with the innocence of angels, those who assist having the love and patience of saints, and the families, with their eternal gratitude for the love and support that they receive. Devine!
WOW! Thank you.