On April 18th, 2013, Prestige du Monde (PdM) and Kahlo Salon hosted "Bienvenue Printemps: a Springtime Benefit" took place at Kahlo Salon in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago. The evening soiree brought high-profile guests together for a business rendezvous to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. Miss Heart of Illinois 2013 Marisa Buchheit, Miss Northern Illinois Lauren Kudsi, Miss Illinois Latina Vanessa Cruz, and Nuestra Belleza Latina 2013 Finalist Ruth Diaz were some of the notable ladies of the evening who brought a bit of glitz and glam to the benefit.

From 7pm-10pm, guests began to pour in numbers to raise funds for a generous cause while trying decadent treats by Estrella Negra, Sandy Cakes Couture Confections, The Bungalow Cafe, Chipotle, and Noodles and Company.

Le Prestige du Monde (PdM) and Kahlo Salon diligently organized their efforts to showcase local businesses, high-caliber individuals, and promote sustainability in an ever-globalizing world.

Amorn Buchheit and Marisa Buchheit took a moment to pose for the camera. In addition to being a philanthropic individual, Marisa is a talented soprano who is a fervid advocated of implementing the arts in public education.

Ruth Diaz, Lauren Kudsi, and Vanessa Cruz strike a pose. The 3 ladies, in addition to being the image of glam in Chicago and beyond, are dedicated to improving the lives of others through their active participation in the arts, entertainment, and local community initiatives across Chicago.

Guests enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones while enjoying rum-infused tres leches cupcakes from Sandy Cakes Couture Confections while sipping on a glass of champagne.

Jus d'Amour Soy Candles by Los Angeles-based Parfumes Mercedes had a very notable presence throughout the evening. The candle's Tahitian vanilla delight graced the ambiance as attendees made their way through the venue.

A diverse-array of succulent wine, beer, and spirits were available for attendees to savor while mingling with business leaders, fashionistas, and community organizers.

Jus d'Amour perfumes, including the signature men's fragrance - Legend, were a part of the highly-sought luxury raffle, which included both decadent fragrances.

La Chambre d'Anit's Tina la Diamantina collection had a strong presence throughout the evening. The hand-knit couture scarf, valued at $95, was one of the luxury items raffled at 9:30pm.

Vanessa and Ruth have a moment with Creative Director Jorge G. Zavala as they discuss the importance of active engagement with both local and national initiatives. Both ladies wore couture designs by La Chambre d'Anit.

The ladies of Kahlo Salon took a moment to capture the magic unfolding throughout the evening. Kahlo Salon does an exceptional job at providing beauty services to Chicagoland while also giving back by engaging with students, educators, and business leaders.

Chanteuse Maria Jose, Global Fashionista Ogilvie, and Couture Designer Martina Gonzalez enjoyed a glass of almond champagne while participating in the luxury raffle.

Annelly Quiroz and Tiffany Boller Guyton mingled with guests and were all-smiles throughout the evening. The ladies of Premier3, in addition to being beautiful, believe in the importance of giving back through educational initiatives creating well-rounded curriculum for children.

The Chicago floods, thunder, and whirlwinds did not keep these cuties from enjoying an evening of delicious food, succulent champagne, and extravagant goodies from the lux raffle. Additionally, these fine ladies also awaited the moment they would receive their swag-bags filled with goodies from Kahlo Salon, Jus d'Amour, M&J Products, and DaTo Marketing.

Marisa discusses her platform on incorporating the arts in education while mentioning her next event in May. Our Miss Heart of Illinois 2013 is an active-believer in fostering music, art, and fashion in everyday life.

Guests enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with the notable figures throughout the evening while also enjoying a succulent meal while savoring premium champagne. Attendees participating in the luxury raffle were also anticipating the diverse prizes offered, including health and wellness products from M&J Products, a charity classique mani-pedi from Savon Spa Lakeview, a $100 gift voucher to Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, a 100% Swarovski crystal bracelet (valued at $350) from Tina la Diamantina, an oh-la-la makeover by Kahlo Salon's very own Veronica Avila, teeth-whitening service by Lee Dental, Jus d'Amour and Legend Parfumes by Parfumes Mercedes, and the VIP experience for 2 adults to Cancun, Mexico by DaTo Marketing and Travalati.

PdM and Kahlo Salon would like to thank all of the wonderful guests, sponsors, and participants who made Bienvenue Printemps a success. The evening brought together a wide-range of high-caliber individuals seeking to make a difference in their surroundings while having an amazing time.

Nous attendons avec impatience la prochaine soirée.

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director, Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director

On April 13th, 2013, the Junior Board of Mercy Home hosted the 6th Annual Have Mercy! Spring Gala at the Trump International Hotel and Tower. An evening filled with decadent hors d'oeuvres, savory wine and spirits, and plenty of dancing brought together a philanthropic, upwardly-mobile crowd to raise funds for the Legacy of Learning Campaign.

Guests, upon arrival to the 16th floor of the Trump Tower, were greeted by members of Mercy Home's Junior Board and encouraged to help themselves to the diverse wine and spirit offerings of the evening.

A wide-range of hors d'oeuvres were available for attendees to try, including miniature ice cream cones stuffed with spicy tuna: a spicy tuna cone of sorts.

Guests came together Saturday evening to raise funds for a wonderful cause while reacquainting themselves with old friends and making new ones.

Over 400 young professionals from across Chicagoland made an appearance and found themselves delighted by the evenings offerings. These two young women made note that their favorite part of the evening was meeting new friends and sipping on a few glasses of wine in a sophisticated space.

Guests enjoyed an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment at the spectacular Trump International Hotel Chicago. These young women were taking a break from hitting the dance floor when PdM spotted them discussing the importance of giving.

This group was all smiles for the camera!

The evening's attendees, which included members of Mercy Home's Junior Board, were proud of the gala's success.

A diverse array of silent auction and raffle prizes were present throughout the evening, including autographed sports memorabilia and spa packages.

In addition to the delicious hors d'oeuvres present throughout the evening, decadent desserts were a part of the evening's highlights. One guest stated that the pastry offerings were simply "divine".

This year’s proceeds benefited the Legacy of Learning Campaign, a $20 million sustaining fund that will ensure children’s academic prosperity for generations to come.

The Junior Board of Mercy Home gives young professionals a special opportunity to aid children in crisis. Their goal is to promote the mission of Mercy Home by engaging young professionals through social, volunteer and fundraising activities.

Members, in addition to having a wonderful time, had opportunities to network with other professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries who share a similar concern for children in crisis.

As the evening developed, guests decided to both mingle and boogie on the dance floor. While guests were looking forward to attending the official after-party at Cuvée, many were not able to do so: the club denied entrance to many Have Mercy! Gala attendees.

In addition to supporting programs facilitating the welfare of children in the Chicagoland area, Mercy Home encourages their youth to understand and accept civic and community responsibilities.

This happy couple was all-smiles as they made their way towards the dance floor.

Jim Marrese, Director of Corporate Sponsorship at Mercy Home, described the importance of the Junior Board to PdM. "It's a great time and the energy they bring is always for a good cause."

As the clocks began to near midnight, guests took the time to get a few pictures with some of their close friends and professional acquaintances.

While the after-party was a flop due to Cuvée's negative attitude toward Mercy Home and their gala's guests, the Junior Board knew how to let loose and throw a successful event with a philanthropic mission. In addition to raising funds benefiting youth programs, the crowd made a true effort to understand the disparities children encounter daily in Chicago while discussing manners to foster positive changes.

Une soirée remplie de plaisir et de la philanthropie vaut en profiter.