Gift of Life

THE PARTY More than 560 guests joined Wellness House at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago to fete the organization’s 25th anniversary and the unveiling of its Wellness Beyond Walls campaign, a new initiative to extend the organization’s reach into communities where cancer support is needed. THE PEOPLE Honorary guests included lifetime trustee Fred Krehbiel, former NBA pro Desmond Mason and 16-year-old Meagan Mitchell, who shared a touching story of how Wellness House provided help to her family following her mother’s cancer diagnosis. THE PINNACLE Attendees bet high on top-tier auction prizes, including a seven-night getaway to Maui’s Honua Kai Resort & Spa and VIP tickets to the Andrea Bocelli concert, all of which helped raise nearly $800,000. The crowd then took to the dance floor with a special performance by American singer and songwriter John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting—a lively end to a successful evening. –Photos by Marcello Rodarte