Jim Dower with Cece and Tom Ricketts
Ralf and Jutta Hilpuesch
Neil and Beth Hirshman with Stacy and Rob Stutz
The silent auction featured lots of sports items and tickets.
The Cabrini Green Drumline turned up the energy level
Movers and shakers strutting their stuff on the dance floor
Urban Initiatives kicked off the 11th annual Soccer Ball to benefit thousands of children in underserved communities.
THE PARTY Morgan Manufacturing was rocking for the sold-out 11th annual Soccer Ball. It was a night of philanthropy filled with dancing, cocktails and, yes, even the Cabrini Green Drumline from Seward Park. The competitive silent auction had bidders upping the ante to win one-of-a-kind experiences, including the grand prize of Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts’ personal seats right next to the dugout. THE PEOPLE Over 1,100 guests came out in their party finest, including ESPN’s own Carmen DeFalco and Marc Silverman, who co-hosted the memorable evening. The crowd was there to support the athletes and coaches of Urban Initiatives as well to champion volunteers like Annie Couyoumjian and team leaders like Jariyae Tilly. THE PINNACLE Attendees enjoyed Lettuce Entertain You restaurants’ cuisine at food stations that included Three Dots and a Dash and Summer House Santa Monica. The evening raised $620,000, allowing Urban Initiatives to expand its soccer and leadership programs into additional neighborhoods and schools. A score for the kids! -Gabrielle Zepeda
Photos courtesy of Urban Initiatives
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