Run Like a Girl...for a Cause! GOTRC 2015 Soiree

By Jorge Zavala | Creative Director

On October 30, 2015, The Girls On The Run Chicago (GOTRC) organization hosted their annual decadent event at the notable Drake Hotel Chicago. The highly-anticipated event, Run Like a Girl Soiree, was a delightful mix of industry insiders, business gurus, and style-conscious connoisseurs interested in toasting over a craft beer or two for a worthy cause.

The soiree, which promptly started at 8pm, invited guests to take part in one of Chicago's most interesting and fun benefits, which aimed to raise money for the organization's successful programs geared towards girls and young women. The GOTRC, a life-changing, non-profit program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade, strives to  inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

A prominent silent auction took place throughout the evening, allowing guests to bid on some very exciting items, including quality wines from all over the world. Meeting twice a week in small teams of 8 to 15 girls, the organization teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 20-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.

A delicious array of cuisine was present for guests to savor, which included sliced beef brisket (yum!), gourmet pizza, burger sliders, and a fish taco buffet.

The fish taco buffet (also with a vegetarian option), was quite note-worthy as one could build their own tacos the way their heart desired. To wash it all down, a plethora of beverage options were present, from craft beers to custom-cocktails to crisp wine.

The organization uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. At each season's conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5k running event. Completing a 5k gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The result—making the seemingly impossible, possible and teaching girls that they are able to reach their goals.

While the delish wine and cocktails were quite popular, what stole the evening was the beer options at this year's soiree. Please sir, may we have some more?

While folks sipped on some of the evening's elixir, guests had an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets that would further benefit the organization's programs. The mission of the Girls On The Run Chicago is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that uses running as a medium of both expression and wellness. The organization envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

As 10pm hit, everyone was ready to boogie. Like previous years' soirees, this year's dancing crowd did not disappoint and everyone got on their feet to shake it like a polaroid picture. The organization's core values, which include expressing joy through a positive attitude and nurturing actions, were present in the crowd.

In 2015, the Girls On The Run Chicago are hotter than ever and their annual soiree lives up to the hype, and then some. PdM has had the pleasure of engaging in such a high-energy rendezvous for a few years and we have to say that this year's event was one of the best in terms of energy, food and beverage options, and overall ambiance. By the end of the evening, everyone - young and old, new and old friends - made sure to leave a little wise (and a little happier) knowing that running like a girl is actually pretty cool.

Cheers to another beautiful event, ladies and gents! We cannot wait until next year!