Timeless Elegance: The Service Club of Chicago gala celebrates 134 years of giving

The Service Club of Chicago’s annual gala, “Timeless Elegance,” celebrated 134 years of giving on Nov. 2, at the Ritz-Carlton. Co-chaired by members Alex Meneses and Kelly Uihlein, the event is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser, supporting its Philanthropic Grant Program.

During the evening, special members were spotlighted and past grantees, like The Chicago Lighthouse and Mane in Heaven, shared the impact The Service Club has had on their nonprofits.

Celebrity guests included Joe Minosa from Chicago Fire, Diana-Maria Riva from Dead to Me and Glamorous, Lisa Vidal from Grey’s Anatomy and local WGN newscaster Lourdes Duarte.

Co-chairs Meneses and Uihlein welcomed guests, expressed gratitude to the host committee and shared that, last year, the organization awarded nearly $1 million in grants to 47 nonprofits.

Service Club President Bobbi Panter highlighted the organization’s 134-year legacy, saying, “We will continue to expand our reach, deepen our impact and make a difference in countless lives.” Panter then introduced a video featuring past grantees sharing how the organization’s support has positively affected their lives.

Guests began the evening with a red-carpet reception and cocktail hour followed by dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. Kerry Sayers conducted the live auction that included stays at five-star hotels in Paris, Beverly Hills and New York; couture items like jewelry and furs; curated wine collections; spa and beauty packages; sports memorabilia; tickets to sporting events and more.

Service Club members consistently provide valuable support for the organization’s events. This year’s gala standouts included Myra and John Reilly, who brought the Tribute Book to life and provided event photography. Donna Flynn and the committee secured silent auction items, while Lauren Lein and Auxiliary Board President Carli Kelly sourced items for the gift bags. Laura Wallace, Dianne Olsen and the 2024 Provisional Class sold raffle tickets.

Major donors included Sherrill Bodine, Alex Meneses and John Simpson, Sally Jo and Dean Pfaff, Kelly Uihlein, Patty Marx, Northern Trust Bank and The Nat. P. Ozmon Family Foundation, among others. 

The Party Faithful band kept the crowd on their feet to the conclusion of the evening.

The event raised over $400,000 for The Service Club of Chicago’s Philanthropic Grant Program that supports, enhances and expands agency programs throughout the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients span social service, cultural, educational and civic fields, serving individuals across the region. Founded in 1890, the nonprofit is an all-woman, all-volunteer organization.

To learn more or donate, visit: theserviceclubofchicago.org