By Elena S., parent
The Spring Benefit is one of the main fundraising events for our school. This was a special year, marking the 15th Annual Spring Benefit, but most importantly, 30 years of excellence of South Loop School Elementary. On the evening of May 18, 2018, parents, faculty, friends and neighbors all came together at The Chez to celebrate this important milestone with a party themed Denim & Diamonds.
This casual yet sparkling evening featured delicious food by Get Off the Couch Catering, cocktails and beverages donated by numerous school parents, tasting of several products by Koval Distillery, and an outstanding Silent Auction. The surprise entertainment included live painting of a Blackhawk by Elliot From of ArtBeat Live, and the Thomas Twins who led the guests through a series of line dancing moves, all of this to the sound of music mixed by DJGemini. Finally, who did NOT take a selfie at the marshmallow-looking photo booth?
“The Benefit was great,” said Marc Dumas, father of 3rd grader TJ. “It’s always great to see your fellow parents in a setting that doesn’t involve juice boxes, cutting up someone’s food or someone screaming just as your cocktail hits your lips. Kudos to the committee for putting on a fab event.”
The event was made possible thanks to the tireless work of many parent volunteers. Special thanks go out to the Spring Benefit Committee and to those who have supported
the school in some capacity through countless donations made by individuals and businesses.
Tara Rossi, mom of kindergartner Hazel, attended with her husband, Joe. It was their first spring benefit. “The night was amazing!” she said afterward. “Really impressed that parents put the whole thing on!”
Through the auction and ticket sales, the event raised over $30,000. These funds are planned to be used for technology upgrades, software, student incentives, instructional materials, teacher professional development, and classroom supplies, based on the needs identified at the beginning of the new academic year.
It is with the contributions from parents, friends, and local companies and leaders like YOU, that we continue to put excellence within the reach of Chicago’s young learners in the South Loop community.
Spring Benefit Committee
- Event Planning: Katerina Viehler, Lisa Johnson, Anastacia Peterson
- Silent Auction: Elena Savona, Laarni Livings, Tracy Carlson
- Photos by Vivian Lee