"I only know two jokes, and I'm going to tell them both tonight," deadpanned M.C. Bill Murray at Saturday night's Salute to the Troops Gala, a fund-raiser for the U.S.O. of Illinois. "In addition to the promised knee-slappers, Murray entertained the 930 guests assembled in Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom by leading soldiers of the Illinois Army National Guard in an a cappella rendition of "Do Wah Ditty" and, during the evening's live auction, scooting around dinner tables on a bike in an effort to raise bids for a "West Coast Ride" package.
Actor Gary Sinise also appeared at the benefit, helping to present the Angel Harvey Heart of a Patriot award to Fox Sports Network anchor Leeann Tweeden. After dinner, the CSI:NY star switched gears to play bass with his Lt. Dan Band during a two-hour set of cover tunes that included "Sweet Home Alabama."
According to gala chair Linda Sluman, landing the celebs' participation was relatively easy due to preexisting relationships that they have with the U.S.O. Earlier this year, Murray kicked off the Chicago Air and Water show by jumping from a plane with a U.S. Army parachute team on behalf of the organization. For his part, Sluman said, Sinise "has been supporting [our] mission both personally and through his band since 2003," and goes on roughly 10 U.S.O. tours a year.
Along with its guest stars, the event's entertainment included an army band-scored Presentation of Colors from the Fifty Sate Flag Unit and a precision choreographed rifle toss from the United States Coast Guard Silent Drill Team.
Correction: This text has been updated to report that Bill Murray performed "Do Wha Ditty" with soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard, not members of the United States Coast Guard.
