Sparkle and Glam: Girls On The Run Chicago Gala 13th Annual Gala

By Ogilvie Zavala | Arts Editor
Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director, Sum Lau | Photographer

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) celebrated its commitment as a non-profit organization to helping over 27,000 girls engage in a healthy lifestyle at its 13th Annual Sparkle & Shine Gala at the Drake Hotel. Funds raised from the event will go towards scholarships for participants of GOTRC and support program expansion initiatives in diverse communities in the Chicagoland area.

During the Sparkle & Shine Gala, GOTRC hosted live music and several silent auctions. A few items that were auctioned included a weekend in a Porsche Panamera, a private flight in a WWII plane, tickets to the Jay Leno Show, Windy City Live, The New Ricki Lake Show, dinner for two at Girl & the Goat, and several other wonderful items.

Throughout the night, attendees had the privilege of enjoying a decadent selection of wine, beer, signature drinks, and fabulous hors d'oeuvres. Additionally a photo booth was staged near the entrance of the gala, with long lines of guests trickling in and out with giant smiles and laughter.

GOTRC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun, experience-based after school curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program for girls in grades 3-8 combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development. The program culminates in a 5k event, which gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as the framework for setting and achieving life goals, athletic or otherwise.

“We have just finished conducting our annual evaluation which has shown, with statistical significance, that girls who complete the program have a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be physically and emotionally healthy.” Said Kristen Kainer-Turner, GOTRC Senior Program Manager.

Jeanne Wrenn, GOTR Chicago Board President, mentioned her excitement for the evening. "GOTR Chicago does so much to help girls across the board. Our annual gala is very exciting." There are two programs that comprise GOTR Chicago: Girls on the Run, designed for girls in grades 3 through 5; and Girls on Track, designed for girls in grades 6 through 8. Led by volunteer coaches, Girls on the Run-Chicago’s program is divided into three core concepts, each of which encompasses roughly a four-week period.

With a vibrant mix of guests, appetizers, cocktails, and goals, the Girls On The Run Chicago's 13th Annual Sparkle and Shine Gala was truly a key momentum for 2012. A guest at the event captured the evening's essence quite well. "We came here to raise funds for the girls, our girls, the future of our city," stated Meredith, one of the sponsor's guests. "While all the funds are going to charity, we are also having a great time. I'm glad I came out for this one."

Cathy Kruse, Communications Manager for GOTR Chicago, Jeanne Wrenn, and the entire GOTR Chicago team's diligence and effort were present. Great job, ladies: we look forward to the next one.