City Seen: The Service Club of Chicago's Valentine's Day Tea

The Cause: The Service Club (SC) of Chicago hosted its first Valentine’s Day Tea at the elegant Ritz-Carlton. Nearly 60 guests turned up wearing eye-popping shades of red in honor of this special day. The festive affair took place in the Ritz’s bright, airy Atrium where greenery was adorned with strings of sparkling white lights. 100% of the $20,000 raised will, in part, support the organization’s Philanthropic Grant Pro­gram, which provides much needed items to deserving Chicagoland nonprofits. An SC Philanthropic Committee reviews every grant submitted, and once an organiza­tion is vetted, funds are distributed to help expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs. This year, the SC will share a record-breaking $793,494 with charities operating in fields such as social services, culture, education and civics.

The Setting: The luncheon event was inspired by Valentine’s Day Teas long hosted by the late man-about-town Bunky Cushing. Past president and longtime member Myra Reilly even created bow tie napkin rings as a nod to Bunky’s always dapper attire.

The Scene: Guests mixed, mingled and enjoyed champagne before sitting down to lunch. Finger tea sandwiches were served—smoked salmon, truffle chicken salad, roasted turkey breast and shaved cucumber—as well as quiches, assorted pastries and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Event sponsors included Sher­rill Bodine, Kristine Kinder, Bobbi Panter, Alex Meneses Simpson, Ann Sherrill and Cheryl Coleman. (Photos by John Reilly and Candace Jordan)