Primitive, 130 North Jefferson, Chicago, IL 60660 6:30 pm, VIP Reception, 6:00 pm HONORARY CHAIR: Harold Ramis

Thanks to everyone who came out for the September 19th event!  It was a smashing success and the money earned is essential to the programs we put on throughout the year.

Also, thank you to our Development Director Colleen O’Neill who was responsible for planning this wonderful event!

HOST COMMITTEE

Bob Borchardt
Roger and Chaz Ebert
Michael A. Foster
Thea Flaum
Tony Loquercio
Alex Meneses
David O’Connor, CSA
Gigi Pritzker
Marci A. Rolnick
Jason Stephens & Ken O’Keefe
Jonathan Towers
Judith & Howard A. Tullman

Emcee: Ben Hollis

Ben is best known as the pith-helmeted, khaki clad original host and co-creator of WTTW’s hit shows Wild Chicago and Wild Chicago’s Illinois Road Trip. Ben also created, hosted and produced Ben Around Town, a lively arts program that aired from 2000-2003 on WYCC Channel 20. Prior to that, he created Ben Loves Chicago for WPWR, which ran for three seasons, and was a contributing reporter on WLS’s long-running hit show, 190 North. He has 8 Emmys and the coveted Studs Terkel Award to his credit. “A local legend,” is how Rob Feder has described one of Chicago’s most original and beloved TV personalities. Currently, Ben is performing his live theatrical show inspired by Spalding Gray, What’s It Like to be You? Prior to his TV career, Ben performed as an improv comedian, and as a singer/songwriter all over town. He’s also been a copywriter and award-winning producer of many corporate videos for clients such as GE, Allstate, State Farm, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), SBC and many more. In addition to producing videos, Ben has written and emceed live shows for Keebler, GE, Motorola, Heller Financial, the JUF and Judge & Dolph. He graduated from The George Washington University with a B.A. in American Literature. The year he graduated is immaterial. Ben is married to an awesome lady named Julia Bunn. They live in Andersonville. He loves London and Kauai and is known in some circles as a gifted cat whisperer.

See Ben in action at Wild Chicago or What It’s Like to Be You