On Feb. 26, 11-year-old Ivan Casty of Winnetka starred at St. Vincent de Paul Center’s Fleur de Lis Ball when he won a part in an upcoming film by Lakeshore Entertainment Group. The following day, Lakeshore Entertainment made Ivan’s day again by winning the coveted Best Picture prize at the Academy Awards for its film, "Million Dollar Baby," directed by Clint Eastwood.
Lakeshore Entertainment’s guarantee of a small role in one of its upcoming movies to be filmed in Chicago was the most popular item in the silent and live auctions at St. Vincent’s 11th annual gala fundraiser. More than 600 guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing Feb. 26 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers; Ivan’s prize and other auction items, plus ticket sales and a raffle, netted the social service agency about $300,000 for the evening.
Approaching its 90th year of serving Chicago from Lincoln Park, St. Vincent de Paul Center extends a helping hand to those most in need by providing day care for children of low-income families, outreach and emergency aid for the homeless and a range of outreach services for at-risk senior citizens. The money raised at the Fleur de Lis Ball will go directly to support these programs.
Ivan’s father, Lee Casty, made his son’s dreams come true Saturday night. But he also helped ensure that the 425 children who come to the corner of Halsted St. and Webster Ave. each day are cared for in a secure, nurturing environment while their parents pursue work or education to make their dreams a reality, too. |
