On October 15th, more than 400 people attended the Illinois Bar Foundation’s 13^th annual Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lawyers and Judges alike joined to show their dedication to the Foundation’s cause and recognize our 2010 Recipient of the Distinguished Award for Excellence, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke. We’re very pleased to report that the evening was quite successful and grossed more than $450,000. Thanks to all of you who supported the event, we met or exceeded every goal for our 2010 Gala. These important funds will be used to help support the Foundation and the many organizations and individuals who receive our assistance. The night started with a silent auction of more than 90 great items, including spa treatments, theatre tickets, and several trips. Guests were able to bid on the auction items of their choice throughout the night on computerized terminals spread throughout the ballroom. During dinner, guests were also given the opportunity to bid on 4 live auction items. In addition to the two auctions, raffle tickets could be purchased for $100 each for the chance to win either a Trip for Two to Colorado in either Aspen, Breckenridge, or Avon, a 55” Samsung 3D TV Package, or $2,500 in cash. The evening’s Program was kicked off by Board Gala Chair Perry Browder, who recognized the Gala Co-Chairs, Jerold Solovy and Peter Birnbaum, and the generous support of our three Gala Partners: Jenner and Block, Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC, and Power Rogers & Smith. Our Foundation President, Vince Cornelius continued to thank the Gala Chairs and committee members. After a four-course meal and the Award Presentation to Justice Burke, who attended with her husband Alderman Ed Burke, guests remained to dance to the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra and find out which auction items they had won. We are very grateful to the all of our donors who helped make this event such a tremendous success! Thank you so much to all of our friends for making it all possible. Save the Date for our 2011 Gala on Friday, October 14, 2011!!