Evanston holds 36th Renewal Ball

Sheila McGuire, Herald Reporter
Posted 6/8/18

Community helps make annual event a success

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Evanston holds 36th Renewal Ball

Posted

EVANSTON — Evanston’s 36th annual Urban Renewal Ball was held on Saturday, June 2, and about 160 people flocked to the historic Roundhouse to celebrate urban renewal and Evanston’s 150th birthday. 

The theme of “Celebrating 150 Years” inspired some folks to dress in costume for the event, including Evanston’s Red Hat ladies donning traditional women’s dresses and a few other people dressing in garb from the 1960s and 1970s. 

A stained-glass motif was used to decorate for the event, with hanging stained-glass inspired panels and matching lanterns and table centerpieces used throughout. The catering by Denise’s Home Plate from Coalville, Utah, had many in attendance raving. 

Live auction items included themed dinners and tailgate parties, an elk hunt, patio furniture, getaways and a stained-glass picture created by Amber Deyo specifically for this year’s ball featuring a locomotive, a clock and a bison. The stained glass alone brought in several thousand dollars to Urban Renewal’s coffers thanks to the generosity of the Cazin family, who purchased the piece for more than $2,000 and then donated it back to be auctioned again, and Joy Bell who paid more than $2,000 herself for it after the Cazins donated it back. 

Evanston’s Kevin Kallas acted as both auctioneer and DJ for the event, taking requests and urging people onto the dance floor throughout the evening. 

Evanston Urban Renewal Coordinator Jane Law said it was a very successful evening. “Everyone seemed to have a great time, everyone really enjoyed the food, there were great items in the auction, great music and great atmosphere and decorations.”