LIttle More Than 3 Weeks...

A little more than 3 weeks to go and this is just a friendly reminder:

1. The deadline for ticket RSVPs is tomorrow !!!  March 23rd...please order ASAP because tickets are limited.

2. TOMORROW - March 23rd is the deadline for donations...of course we will still accept donations, but we will be dividing up the baskets this weekend, so if you want your donation to be included in the Auction Book, please turn in a form ASAP...if you don't have access to a form, need extras, or want to just let us know of an incoming donation, please email talleyhann@gmail.com. If you need to turn in a form or drop off an item over Spring Break, please contact Talley Hann at talleyhann@gmail.com or 8475673517.

This event is going to be amazing because of all the wonderful people that make Pilgrim what it is...thank you for all you do!

Talley

Meeting Tonight

Please Join us this evening at Talley Hann's house for an all volunteer meeting.  We will run down the timeline leading up to the event, places we still need people to plug in, and answer any questions that you may have.

1032 S. Cuyler Ave, Oak Park at 8PM

Call Talley if you have any questions at 847-567-3517

A Note About Dietary and Mobility Restrictions

Please contact us at us via email at pcns.gala@gmail.com before the Gala if you have special needs or dietary limitations that we can address to make your evening more enjoyable. Part of the Gala will be held on the second story of Unity House so please make us aware if there are guests who may need help with stairs.

A Glimpse Into Gatsby

As you should all know by now, the fabulous Melissa Elsmo will be creating our food for the Gala evening. If for no other reason than to taste her inspired food, you must come...she throws her whole self into her food and it is amazing, I just love her! Below is a glimpse of just one of the many bites that will be served at Unity Temple on April 14th...don't forget to get your tickets!


To read more about Melissa and her inspired food, catch her weekly column here: http://oakpark.suntimes.com/opinions/elsmo/index.html

“There was music from my neighbor's house through those summer nights. In his enchanted gardens, men and girls came and went like moths, among the whispering and the champagne and the stars. I believe that few people were actually invited to these parties. They just went.”


F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby


Hard drinking and festive environments reigned supreme during the post war prosperity of the 1920’s. Armed with affluence and optimism Gatsby-like guests clamored to throw and attend afternoon hotel parties. Opulent hotels are synonymous with the culture of the roaring twenties and none is more iconic than the Waldorf Astoria. Named after the hotel, The Waldorf Salad made its debut in late 1800’s, but peaked in popularity in the 1920’s. The salad historically featured assorted fruits and vegetables bound by a mayonnaise based dressing. Nothing about that sounds remotely appealing to me, but classics are classics for a reason. So…in the spirit of all things Gatsby, I’ve created a signature Waldorf inspired bite to serve at Pilgrim’s upcoming benefit. This delicious little nosh features homemade lady apple chips, cinnamon-honey crema, celery, golden raisin, apple, and lemon. Look for this delicious dish to add an unexpected sweet side to the arsenal of savory bites I’ll plating up for you on April 14th. See you then! -Mel

Fun Facts about the 1920s

There are so many shows out there that set in the 1920s right now, that I thought it would be fun to see some facts about the time...

	106,521,537 people in the United States
	2,132,000 unemployed, Unemployment 5.2%
	Life expectancy: Male 53.6, Female 54.6
	343.000 in military (down from 1,172,601 in 1919)
	Average annual earnings $1236; Teacher's salary $970
	Dow Jones High 100 Low 67
	Illiteracy rate reached a new low of 6% of the population.
	Gangland crime included murder, swindles, racketeering
	It took 13 days to reach California from New York There were 387,000 miles of paved road.

Wow...this is going to be amazing!

Look at what we tasted!  Thanks to all who came out to Unity Temple this evening to sample some of the amazing food that will be served, and taste our signature drink...we are so excited.  Don't forget to buy your tickets now because once the buzz starts, we want everyone to be able to come.  Below is a picture and description of just one of the items we tasted this evening!

Southern Comfort:  Designed to pair with your signature cocktail, this hearty appetizer will soak up the booze and highlights all of the flavors of a deep south BBQ.  Pulled Pork Crostini with Brown Sugar Sweet Potato. Roasted Corn and Fried Pickle.  Fun Fact...BBQ rose in popularity in the 1920's because of a relationship between Henry Ford and the Kingsford family that resulted in manufacturing charcoal for the masses.

 

***Remember...this meeting was by invite only for those who have already volunteered...who knows what the next perk will be...sign up now of the blog!

General Information

Here is your one stop for Gala information! 

We have such fun ideas planned that we can’t wait to share them with you

Whiskey Tastings

Secret Speak-Easy

Split the Pot (STP)

Amazing Silent and Live Auctions

…and more!

Come dressed in costume or not…but join us for some roarin’ fun on April 14^th at Unity Temple.  7:30 pm sharp!

 

Ticket and donor pricing:

Bootlegger: $300 donation with 2 tickets 

(Before 12/31 $170 Donation, after $160)

Gangster: $500 donation with 4 tickets and 1 split the pot ticket

(Before 12/31 $230 Donation, after $240)

Daddy Warbucks: $750 donation with 6 tickets, 1 STP ticket, & 1 Whiskey Tasting Ticket 

(Before 12/31 $335 Donation, after $305)

The Untouchables: $1000 donation for 8 tickets, 2 STP tickets, & 2 Whiskey Tasting Tickets 

(Before 12/31 $430 Donation, after $390)

Tickets purchased prior to 12.31.11 

$65 a piece after $70 each