The Best Singles Events of the Summer
We review the best places to meet and mingle in the city
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Spring Benefit, "Totally Animal 80’s"
Can you find love in the wild, wild Midwest? After receiving an invitation to attend one of Chicago’s hottest summer kick-off parties, the 25th Annual Spring Benefit hosted by the Auxiliary Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, I was prepared to let my glossy chignon down and find out.
I mulled over the evening’s dress attire and the event’s theme, Totally Animal 80’s, having no clue about what to wear (what does “creative black tie” really mean?). Like a scene out of a John Hughes film, I pulled out my cell and dramatically dialed my friend, and the event’s caterer, Rachel Schwanz of The Entertaining Company, for advice. "What are you wearing tonight?" I texted from the depths of my walk-in closet. My cell buzzed back. I glanced at the message: "cocktail dress". Looking at the colorful frocks and debutante duds, I zoned in on every fierce girls favorite stand-by: the little black dress.
The hottest event had weather to match: the evening was tropically muggy as Kerry, my twin sister and diva-in-crime, and I clicked our way towards the festive affair across the Water Fowl Lagoon and into the heart of the Foreman Pavilion. It quickly became apparent that the heat was in control of the beat on the dance floor, too. Over three hundred very well-coifed guests, donned in their 80’s finest (eat your heart out, Don Johnson) were tripping the light fantastic to the unforgettable music of Michael Jackson, Duran Duran and Cindy Lauper. Kerry and I did our best Flashdancing next to a gigantic Rubik’s cube and for a fleeting moment, dreamed of being Jessie’s Girl.
Albeit there were plenty of wedding rings and snuggling couples, I had to give the Auxiliary Board props for drawing an eclectic crowd that hit it off in the photo booth line, mingling at the silent auction and over tasty themed appetizers like “Porky’s retro pigs in a blanket” and Pop Rocks Martinis.
The Zoo event raised over $74,000 and showcased so many of the little things I loved about this decadent decade. My favorite spot was the swank VIP area, which included old-school Nintendo games, a gourmet buffet and an "all-you-can-sip" private bar. Spotting my friend, Tony, a fun-loving "relationship consultant," I challenged him to a mixed singles Super Mario Brothers Tournament which he accepted with debonair enthusiasm. Luckily, I won the videogame championship - turns out he was less skilled with a joystick than I was. Afterward, Kerry and I took a Cinderella spin around the dance floor with several dashing young men in attendance, all perfectly attired in tux and tails. It’s always a plus when Prince Charming comes complete with his own wardrobe of wedding wear.
The sweet conclusion: Not a bad way to kick off a warm weekend and meet other swanky singles while looking cool wearing your sunglasses at night.
Read More:
Summer Singles Events Calendar
Sally Shorr is a freelance publicist and blogger in Chicago.
Comments (2)
OLVUS Posted on 13:18, Feb 25th 2011
Well written piece.
PILARA Posted on 14:15, Jun 30th 2010
Well written piece. Although for me I positively HATED 1st Fridays at MCA. It was the Taste of Chicago for singles. You had to stand in a long line just for drink tickets. Too crowded, terrible music and the crowd entirely too young. What I'd like to see in Chicago is a sophisticated way to target a diverse ethnic group of men in an intimate setting in their late 30s thru early 50s who are looking for a long term commitment that I don't have to shout at to hear me in a sea of Gap Kids. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the art work.