Client: Chicago Gateway Green

Event: Chicago Gateway Green 4th Annual Texas Hold’Em Charity Poker Tournament, Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Event Overview:

McGowan Durpetti & Associates was requested for the third consecutive year to produce Chicago Gateway Green’s 4th Annual Texas Hold’Em Charity Poker Tournament. The event was held as a prelude to the non-profit organization’s annual Green Tie Ball, helping raise the funds necessary to support their mission of greening and beautifying Chicago’s expressways and neighborhoods. Guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti to experience one of Chicago’s most elegant and lush outdoor courtyards, a perfect backdrop to forefront Chicago’s green space. Attendees registered with MD&A staff at the door to receive their chips and ensure their place in the Texas Hold’Em tournament, co-hosted by Horseshoe Casino. The pre-game excitement grew as guests enjoyed special Gateway Green-Tini’s from the bar and a buffet of savory hors d’oeuvres prepared by Galleria Marchetti’s chefs. Co-emcees Dougie Stylz and J Roman, of Chicago’s WBBM-FM “B96” radio station, took the stage to announce the rules of play and then let the games begin. Texas Hold’Em tournament players competed for a chance at winning a $10,000 seat at the 2010 World Series of Poker Final in Las Vegas, while spectators and eliminated players competed for chips in Black Jack, Craps, and Roulette, earning them raffle tickets for a chance at winning an assortment of prizes. The event drew a crowd of Chicago socialites and celebrities, including the likes of former Chicago Bear’s player Jerry Azumah, Survivor: Fiji’s Mookie Lee, State Representative John Fritchey, and NBC 5 Chicago’s Ginger Zee. Players and spectators trickled out satisfied with their evening of fun and support of a worthy cause. Our client was pleased with the success of the event and anticipated as much success in their next fundraisers produced by MD&A.

Services:

McGowan Durpetti & Associates was the creative force behind the realistic casino experience for the fun-filled charity gaming event. From the start of the planning process, MD&A led advance logistics, vendor contracting, sponsorship procurement, media outreach, and ensured high participation, while overseeing the on-site set-up and program flow on the day of the event. The 2009 tournament’s success was evident in Chicago Gateway Green raising a record amount of funds in the tournament’s four-year history. The client was satisfied with MD&A’s services in producing more than just financial success, but also in their assistance with encouraging widespread support of Chicago Gateway Green’s mission and surpassing their expectations.