| EVENT REPORT 10.28.08 7:00 AM |
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| South of the Border |
| At the Aztec Ball, the Field Museum raised money and celebrated its latest exhibition with the help of philanthropists and sugar-rimmed tequila shooters. |
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Despite the fact that the Blue Plate-catered dinner at Saturday night's Aztec Ball featured an intermezzo course of prickly pear sorbet and sugar-rimmed tequila shooters, guests stayed considerably more sober than the last crew to party at the Field Museum. In fact, the gala's 650 guests set a decidedly sophisticated tone, with attendees adhering to the black-tie dress code in tuxedos and floor-length gowns.
Though elegant, this year's crowd comprised fewer attendees than those seen at past galas, which have typically drawn anywhere from 800 to 1,000 guests. "In terms of pure sponsorship, the museum in general is seeing a downturn," said Trish Farrell, manager of the museum's women's board, which hosted the event. "These times breed caution and uncertainty." Farrell noted that "longtime friends," as opposed to new sponsors, formed the biggest support base for this year's event, with prominent Chicago families the Crowns, Ferros, and Pritzkers all serving as supporting sponsors. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Heffernan Morgan decorated the dinner tables for a three-course meal that featured roasted tomato flan, grilled fillet of beef, and a mango tart.
Photo: BizBash |
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 | After dinner, the Stu Hirsh orchestra played dance music in Stanley Field Hall, where Heffernan Morgan created a flower-studded backdrop meant to evoke a Mexican jungle.
Photo: BizBash |
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 | The evening's specialty cocktail was a salt-rimmed margarita served in a dark blue glass.
Photo: BizBash |
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 | Event planner Trish Farrell said that water, "one of the most important aspects of Aztec civilization," inspired the event's all-blue decor.
Photo: BizBash |
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 | Heffernan Morgan's towering centerpieces resembled the headdresses of Aztec warriors.
Photo: BizBash |
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The museum's latest exhibition, "The Aztec World," inspired the gala's Mexican theme, which showed up in everything from a gold-and-turquoise invite to passed margaritas and a drum-scored performance from dance troupe Nahui Ollin. Frost's undulating blue lights created a waterfall effect in Stanley Field Hall, where Heffernan Morgan dressed dinner tables in towering centerpieces that resembled spiked headdresses. Guests could also get a taste of Mexico by touring the exhibition, which stayed open until the event wrapped up at midnight.
Correction: This text has been updated to correctly note the gala's sponsors and the title of Trish Farrell, manager of the women's board.
—Jenny Berg
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