Thousands Jump Down The Rabbit Hole for Gateway Green

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This Saturday, over 3,000 philanthropic Chicagoans dressed to-the-nines invaded the Chicago industrial landmark, A. Finkl & Sons on the shores of the North Branch of the river. Here was Office Max's 21st annual Green Tie Ball to support Chicago Gateway Green. This year the host crew landed on an Alice In Wonderland theme, which may we add was insanely well-exicuted. Upon entering the first of several tents were freaky green bunnies leading guests to pink champagne at the end of a long green carpet. The enormity of the industrial structures billowing above, glowing from within, sheltered the action beyond that. A Mad Hatter DJ'ing on a three wheeled scooter with a bubble machine on the back whirled around as performers including the Queen of Hearts photo-bombed and was spotted tickling Alexi Giannoulias. There were 6 tricked out tiered cakes made by high school students featuring fondant characters from different versions of the Alice In Wonderland story. On top of all this fanfare were the lights, dancing, spicy cocktails, flowing gowns and a confetti bomb to finish it off.

Each year, the highly anticipated black-tie gala has become one of the most celebrated charity events in the city, by scoring talent and involving the people in the communities of which the Gateway Green organization beautifies. Headlining this roster of talent was Pete Wentz of the Black Cards; Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini of Windy City Live; Donald Storino Jr; DJ Rock City and a slew of stellar chefs like Ryan Poli and Randy Zweiban from restaurants like Tavernita, Province and Frontier.
· Chicago Gateway Green [Official Site]