Big Fish Ball - Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Main Event and River Cruise tickets will be held at the door under the name of the ticket buyer.  For on-line raffle entries, we will fill out the physical raffle tickets for you and make sure your tickets get in to the drawing bowl of the prize indicated or place them randomly if no prize is indicated. 

Main Event

Friends of the Chicago River's sixth annual Big Fish Ball will include stylish outdoor dining, Chicago River animals up close, and river-centric entertainment.  Our riverfront development "Blue Ribbon Awards" will also be among the highlights.  Wolf Point and the breathtaking city skyline will be our backdrop. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dessert and sunset from 8:30 to 9 p.m.  ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Fireworks River Cruise

Join us for a nightcap on Shoreline Sightseeing’s “Star of Chicago” as it cruises down the river to a fabulous fireworks show! Open bar and DJ on board. Boarding begins at 8:45 p.m. at the Merchandise Mart dock (river level at Franklin St. and Riverside Dr.). Boat departs at 9 p.m. immediately following the main event and returns at 10 p.m.

Gone Fishin' Raffle

You can choose to place your ticket entries in the package(s) you want to win!

Golf for the V.I.P. - The 2012 Ryder Cup   

Golf at its very best, and you are there. 

Two badges for the 2012 Ryder Cup at the famed Medinah Country Club for two days. Enjoy top flight hospitality including gourmet meals and all-day access to the VIP Pavilion, featuring an open bar, buffet and more.  The two tickets hospitality are valid Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, 2012. 

Value: $7,000     Generously donated by:  VIP Sports Marketing, Inc.

Chicago Cut Steakhouse with Friends

A private, all-inclusive dinner for ten at Chicago's premier river-front steakhouse.  Experience what Chicago Magazine has selected as one of the top ten dining experiences in Chicago and what is uniquely Chicago Cut Steakhouse.  Dine with nine friends at this cutting-edge restaurant with a unique menu serving USDA certified prime beef, unmatched iPad wine lists and a modern twist on the traditional steakhouse presented in this dazzling space along the Chicago River.

Value: $3,000     Generously donated by: Chicago Cut Steakhouse

California Dreamin'

You and up to five of your best friends are off to stay in La Quinta, California at Richard H. Driehaus' Santa Rosa Cove Community town home.  This gorgeous three bedroom home features fabulous indoor accommodations, overlooks a golf course and has spectacular views of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains.  Treat yourself during this 5 day/4 night stay at one of the ten pools, ten spas and three tennis courts! To get you to this dreamlike destination are two round trip airfares anywhere Southwest Airlines flies in the continental U.S.

Value: $3,800     Generously donated by: Richard H. Driehaus and Southwest Airlines

Entertain on the River

Enjoy two amazing river-centric experiences. Combine them for the same event or do them separately for two very memorable special occasions.  Entertain up to 30 people at a catered cocktail party in Friends of the Chicago River's unique and historic McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum located in the Southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge.  And invite up to 20 of your favorite friends to an intimate evening tour of the Chicago River on your own private water taxi.  Sip on a glass of wine or enjoy a frosty beer while your captain guides you through Chicago's beautiful downtown setting.

Value: over $4,500     Generously donated by: Stefani Signature Events, Shoreline Sightseeing and Friends of the Chicago River's McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum

Tourists in Your Own Town

Act like a tourist in your own town - entertain, relax, have fun, and explore for weeks on end while treating yourself to: A two night weekend stay for two at the Sheraton Chicago on the river; Four box seats at a Chicago White Sox game; Pairs of tickets to great theater and performances: Lookingglass, Steppenwolf, Hypocrites, Hubbard Street Dance and more; $100 gift certificates to fantastic restaurants: Uncommon Ground, South Branch Tavern & Grille, and Catch 35; Memberships and passes to: Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago History Museum, and on and on.

Value: over $2,000     Generously donated by: Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Canal Street Marina, all of those listed above and more at www.chicagoriver.org. 

Indicate at time of purchase where, if so desired, you want your entries placed.  No indication will randomly place your chances.

Updates and further information on these packages can be found at www.chicagoriver.org/bigfishball2011/raffle

Drawing will be held on June 8, 2011, at the Big Fish Ball.  Winners need not be present.