WITS Chicago Blackboard Affair | Chicago South Loop | Chicago Illuminating Company
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
There are so many reasons I love what I do for a living, among which is the opportunity to give back to the community. A few months ago my friends, Carolyn and Steve Goldhaber, put me in touch with Kristen Berlacher, deputy director of Chicago’s Working in the Schools (WITS) regarding their upcoming Blackboard Affair fundraiser. WITS is a charitable organization whose primary focus is promoting literacy in the school systems. By developing relationships with students, volunteers help cultivate a love of reading and a greater enthusiasm for learning through one-on-one tutoring and student mentoring.. When Carolyn told me WITS was looking for a photographer to cover the Blackboard Affair, I was delighted to get involved. From as early as I can remember…well…knowing HOW to read, I was curled up with a book every chance I had. Whether it was risking car sickness on a road trip to finish a story, sitting in the front pew of church with my latest paperback purchase (hey, I was there!), or lying in bed at night with a flashlight and a novel, sheets forming a tent over my head so my parents wouldn’t catch me, I have always loved to read. It was because I had parents and teachers who cared enough to invest in me, and so it is very dear to my heart to help support an organization that devotes its time and resources to making a similar impact in children’s lives.
WITS Chicago held their annual Blackboard Affair this year at the Chicago Illuminating Company in the south loop area. Jaclyn and I walked through the doors of the spacious CIC, thrilled to be shooting in this former warehouse converted into one of Chicago’s trendiest wedding and event venues. There was a bar in the front registration room usually reserved for cocktail hour, and on the wall opposite the entrance was a magnificent framed floor to ceiling panting. We wandered into the next few rooms taking in the massive paintings, large framed mirrors, arched windows and marble bars. Self described as “renovated, modern architectual highlights,” blending “with an urbane loft aesthetic for a sophisticated, state-of the-art feel,” Chicago Illuminating Company was a sight to behold. Three large tables were lined with top notch prizes from local businesses for the silent auction. Bidders had the chance to win items such as a boat excursion, a custom Oxford Clothes suit valued at $3,200, tickets to a Chicago Cubs game, a wagon full of enough liquor to stock any personal bar, engagement or lifestyle sessions from several Chicago photographers, pampering for the day at a spa, and many other exciting services. Complete with lighting by Sound Investment and floral artistry by the Revel Group, the decor at the Blackboard Affair was breathtaking.
Food for Thought kept guests satisfied all evening with their delightful and creative hors d’ouvres, while DJ Kid Color spun the music throughout the event. Glitter Guts added to the excitement with fun sparkled background photobooth in the lobby! The night’s festivities concluded with an iPad raffle, drawn from halves of large playing cards participant wore during the event.
Two of my favorite images from the night were captured by Jaclyn, below. Chicago Illuminating Company has an expansive display of Grey Goose behind its back bar, and GG was, very appropriately, one of the Blackboard Affair’s official sponsors
I am incredibly grateful to have had Jaclyn Simpson shooting with me at Chicago Illuminating Company. It was a blast to spend time with her at the WITS Blackboard Affair, and she truly captured some amazing images! I am so glad to be able to support Working in the Schools, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.