The event's main tent had a clear roof, glass walls, and stadium seating in the round that accommodated guests during the performances and speakers. Running with a circus theme, Steffus brought in Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment that included an African dance troupe from ALYO Children's Dance Theatre, acrobats and contortionists from the Midnight Circus, and a huge globe that sprayed confetti over the crowd. "Everything from the invitation to the decor and entertainment were meant to be kid-focused and celebratory," Olson said. "We involved children from throughout the community." (Kids from the Near North Montessori School greeted guests and handed out programs.)

On hand to celebrate the occasion were more than 1,000 guests, including hospital donors, board members, and some 60 politicians, including Governor Rod Blagojevich, Senator Dick Durbin, and Congressmen Rahm Emanuel and Jesse Jackson Jr., who, along with Maggie Daley, addressed the crowd. Children's Memorial Hospital patients also introduced the speakers while sharing their own stories. Afterward, the floor panels under the tent came up, and 40 dignitaries dug into a specially created trough of dirt to mark the location. More confetti rained down while Merit School of Music's children's choir and violinists played.

Wolfgang Puck Catering provided a grownup take on snack packs: white boxes filled with brightly colored bags of Parmesan popcorn, chocolate and lemon macaroons on bamboo sticks, a Rice Krispies treat dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, and sparkling raspberry pink lemonade. Memorabilia from the day was especially poignant—each guest received a glass bottle adorned with the hospital logo and filled with dirt from the site, along with a tiny metal shovel commemorating the groundbreaking.   —Wendy Wollenberg