Published February 21, 2008                                                          

      Save the date - March 15

 What: Equinox Ball

   Where: Union Station, Chicago

   When: the black tie event begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

   Why: to benefit Wellness House in Hinsdale, a nonprofit organization that provides families and individuals with the tools and services they need to meet the challenges of everyday life after a cancer diagnosis.
   “Wellness House has been such a great supporter of not only Hinsdale but the surrounding community for so many people who are affected by cancer,” said Andrea Burridge of Hinsdale, one of the event co-chairmen. “We are all, unfortunately, in our lifetime going to be affected by somebody who has cancer. It’s a great place for us to not only know about personally but to refer to other people who are going to be in need of support.”

   Theme: Make No Small Plans ... A Vision of Hope
   The theme is inspired by architect Daniel Burnham, designer of the Great Hall, who said, “Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.”

   Highlights: The evening will have a wonderful vintage feel — especially for those who are able to travel to and from the event on the vintage train.
   “We just think it’s going to be a very grand event,” Burridge said.
   Attendees will be able to take advantage of a wine auction, a silent auction and a live auction.
   “We have so many great auction items,” Burridge said. “For the silent auction, we have a signed Lance Armstrong jersey, which is obviously appropriate, given the charity. We have a trip to the Galapagos Islands. We have a trip to Monaco, including a yacht tour of Monaco. We have a dinner with the White Sox’s Jim Thome and his wife and we have a Jim Russell (Formula One) racing weekend out in Sonoma, Calif.”
   Jewell Events Catering, known for its exquisite food and impeccable service, is preparing the evening’s cuisine. After dinner, the Bill Pollack Orchestra will provide music for dancing.
   “We have such a talented committee,” Burridge said. “We’re really thrilled about the way its coming together. The event is going to be fabulous.”

   Reservations: Tickets are $450 each. Round-trip transportation via vintage train from the downtown Hinsdale station to Union Station is available for $100 a ticket. The train will leave Hinsdale at 5:30 p.m. and return at about midnight. The cost includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Limited seats are available.

   Call (630) 654-5104 or visit www.wellnesshouse.org for ball tickets. To reserve train tickets, call Beth Possley at (630) 654-5195.

— by Pamela Lannom