Annual event moves outdoors amid pandemic
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EVANSTON — The annual Urban Renewal Ball was back this year for the 38th time, although it looked decidedly different from previous occasions. Held on Saturday, June 12, this year’s event took place outside in downtown Evanston with a much more casual feel.
Evanston Urban Renewal Agency President Leslie Lunsford said this year’s theme was “Come Together,” and the goal was to celebrate the downtown area and Evanston’s “gorgeous summer evenings.”
“We were blessed with one of the best evenings we could have imagined,” said Lunsford. “The weather was wonderful, the people excited and we truly did dance in the street.”
Downtown Main Street was closed to traffic for the event and tables were set up in the street, with food and local brews catered by Suds Bros., live music provided by the band Timeless and bar offerings by Kate’s for those interested in imbibing.
Lunsford said a small group of dedicated volunteers was instrumental in pulling this year’s event together, after last year’s was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers included Brenda Thompson, Kerri Wright, Lindsi Bumgardner, Rachel Reifon, Liz Thompson, Mieke Madrid, Jane Law, Tera Lawlar, Katie Bodine, Jeri Decker, Debbie Hansen, Julie O’Connell, John Spero, Tammy Halliday, Tim Lynch, Brian Davis, Rocco O’Neill, Tim and Katie Beppler, Lunsford and “lots of girls from Kate’s.”
Said Lunsford, “We had over 140 people attend the event and raised just under $17,000, after costs, through generous cash donations, an online auction, and raffles and auction at the event. The monies we raised will be used toward a lighting project to crisscross café lights across the downtown streets.”
The ball has long been one of the primary fundraisers for the Urban Renewal Agency, which focuses on promoting a “vibrant downtown to live, work, shop and play through preservation and revitalization,” said Lunsford. Other fundraisers include the Brew Fest, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 17, and the annual Jingle Bell Jaunt. The Urban Renewal Agency also hosts the annual Music in the Air at Depot Square free summer concerts, which will be held on Thursday nights following the Farmer’s Market from July 8 through Aug. 26.
