Connections gala hits home run

The Field Museum took on the festive look of spring on April 5 as more than 600 parents, teachers, administrators, and other friends of Lab gathered for the baseball-themed Connections 2003 “Field of Dreams.”

The evening got off to a sporting start as the University High dance troupe waved pom-poms and cheerfully greeted partygoers entering the grand hall of the museum to register for the event. An ensemble of Middle School jazz musicians entertained nearby.

After mounting the grand staircase to see mezzanine galleries filled with artifacts from around the world, the participants were delighted by images of the baseball season ahead. Many parents took the opportunity to chat with incoming Director David Magill and his wife, Judy, who were in town for the festivities. Servers passed around plates of baseball park foods, such as Milwaukee Brewers grilled bratwurst and San Francisco Giants petite crab rolls. Elsewhere, popcorn, peanuts, and tiny hot dogs were available for nibbling.

U-High baseball players in uniform mingled among the guests as they sold fantasy baseball tickets. The U-High jazz band played outside the entrance to the new exhibition “Baseball as America,” where partygoers could see how the popular sport has influenced the development of American culture and been impacted by social change.

Guests also got to bid on a wide array of silent auction items, ranging from such sports-related items as tickets to a Cubs game and rounds of golf to hotel stays, insider tours of Chicago cultural attractions, and a host of imaginative items made by students and classes. The combined proceeds of the live and silent auction totaled nearly $60,000. Overall, Connections raised approximately $200,000 for the final phase of high school science lab renovations.

The dinner program featured performances by the school choir, Men’s Vocal Ensemble, Allegro Ensemble, and the student-led chamber group Forte. Many student performers had also volunteered to sell raffle tickets earlier in the evening.

After dinner, music teacher Vanya Wang led the crowd in a round of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and the bidding began on the live auction items. Wrigley Field announcer Paul Friedman served as master of ceremonies, taking spirited bids on a special behind-the-scenes visit to U.S. Cellular Field, complete with dinner and other special features, as well as trips donated by alumni for insider visits to Sony’s Hollywood studio, a Kentucky horse farm, and the San Francisco Opera.

Co-chairs Cindy Chereskin and Kalli Kerr were delighted with the success of the evening. “Connections builds community and raises money for the school at the same time. It’s a real win-win event,” said Chereskin. “Our great team of parent and student volunteers deserve an enormous round of applause,” added Kerr. “So much of the $200,000 profit is due to their months of effort and commitment.”