On
Sunday, February 22, 2009, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School
of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), brought Hollywood to Chicago
as it welcomed 200 guests with Klieg lights, a red carpet, and paparazzi
to this year's Oscar Night America—Chicago benefit. Oscar
Night America—Chicago is Chicago's only officially sanctioned
Academy Awards® party and was one of 53 official Oscar® parties
nationwide this year. The fundraiser raised over $36,000, with proceeds
benefiting the Gene Siskel Film Center's programming and educational
initiatives throughout the year.
Attendees received the same official Academy Awards program distributed
to the stars seated at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA; 80th Academy
Awards posters; goody bags featuring $25 gift certificates to Rockit
Ranch, tea samples from Argo Tea, Time Out Chicago magazines,
three-month memberships to the Museum of Contemporary Art, and free
class passes to Moksha Yoga Center. Guests also received free copies
of the book Revolutionary Road which was nominated for three
Academy Awards this year.
Guests watched the Academy Awards telecast in the Film Center's two
state-of-the-art movie theaters through the courtesy of ABC 7, the
Chicago affiliate of the ABC Television Network, which broadcasts the
Oscars® presentation. ABC 7 donated in-kind technical assistance
for the evening, providing guests with a High-Definition viewing experience
on the Film Center's 16 1/2-feet wide by 13-feet high screens,
the biggest and best projection of the Oscars in the city!
Guests enjoyed a delicious, dinner buffet generously donated by Food
For Thought and delectable desserts generously donated by Hotcakes
Bakery.
Guests included representatives from the Gene Siskel Film Center Advisory
Board, Officers and Board of Governors of the School of the Art Institute
of Chicago, True Partners Consulting , Chicago Climate Exchange, IntercontinentalExchange
Inc., and Time Out Chicago.
Lead Sponsors were Food For Thought and True Partners Consulting;
Award Winning Sponsor was The Chicago Community Trust; and Red Carpet
Sponsor was Time Out Chicago. The event was also supported
by the Ellen and Richard Sandor Family Foundation and ABC 7 Chicago.
Celebrating over 37 years of excellent film programming, the Gene
Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is
a world-class cinematheque dedicated to showcasing emerging artists,
world cinema, independent filmmakers and the classics. Presenting over
1,500 screenings and more than 100 visiting filmmaker appearances annually,
the Gene Siskel Film Center is Chicago's premier movie theater.
