The exciting day wil
Philanthropist and veterans
activist, Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4
Vets, a not for profit organization whose mission is to
partner in the transition of our returning veterans as they
readjust, redirect and rebuild their civilian lives, will
host a gala afternoon for 55 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
and their families at the December 15 performance of the
internationally acclaimed Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
at Chicago;s Auditorium The
atre followed by a fun and festive
holiday family dinner at the Palmer house.
l begin at 12 Noon with a
private reception for veterans and their families ho
sted by Ms. Kennedy in the
Lounge of the Auditorium Theatre. At 2 PM, guests will have
the rare treat of viewing the world's most acclaimed
production of "The Nutcracker" by the incomparable Joffrey
Ballet. Featuring
choreography Robert Joffrey & Gerald Arpino,
score by Peter llyich Tchaikovsky and performed by
The Chicago Philharmonic, the Joffrey's awe-inspiring
Nutcracker that has
captivated audiences for 25 years with brilliant costumes,
larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and
Tchaikovsky’s famous score.
At 3:45 Pm, following the
performance, Trolleys will transport the families to the
historic
Palme House. While the adults
enjoy cocktails in the State Ballroom while being
entertained by holiday carolers, magicians and characters
from The Nutcracker. The children will have the chance to
participate in holiday themed Creation Stations including
Marzipan Magic Tricks, Bubblegum Bead Station to make
bracelets and necklaces,
Candy Cane Creativity
Station where children can decorate a wooden soldier, crown
or pointe shoe with paint, glitter, feathers and
rhinestones, Nutcracker Party Photo Booth where guests can
take photos in front of the magical ‘Green Screen’ with Wes
Cleaver Photography, Rock Candy Mani’s, Palmer House
Pastries where kids can decorate sweet treats with the
Palmer House’s Pastry Chef Fabrice, Licorice Lego Station
allowing guests to use Lego building blocks to create
structures resembling all things Nutcracker and much more.
At 5:30 PM, guests will be
ushered into the beautifully bedecked Grand Ballroom for a
traditional family style holiday dinner.
For Ms. Kennedy, The Nutcracker
Family Dinner is the continuation of a tradition begun
several years ago when she purchased a viewing party for the
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and hosted dozens of veterans
and their families for a balloon's eye view of the
spectacular. This year, she is sharing her passion or dance
with her veteran constituency recognizing the healing powers
of the performing arts.
For over twenty years Patricia
Kennedy has had a deep impact on the future of dance,
especially in the ballet world as a great supporter of the
Joffrey Ballet, and for the last decade, with Career
Transitions for Dancers (CTFD) a not-for-profit organization
that works one-on-one with dancers and helps identify their
unique talents in preparation for developing post-dance
careers.
Patricia Kennedy's relationship with CTFD gave her a unique
perspective into the issues that affect those who have
suffered career-ending injuries. The excellent work of CTFD
served as both a model and a motivation. Patricia Kennedy
witnessed the incredible success of a caring and effective,
hands-on approach to helping those whose future prospects
and career path were forever altered by traumatic injury
The success stories of CTFD
inspired Patricia Kennedy to establish Step Up 4 Vets as a
non-profit organization committed to assisting our returning
veterans in the transition from active military service to
civilian life.
Patricia Kennedy's efforts on behalf of our returning
veterans focus on ameliorating the many problems they face
upon returning home from battle. She believes it is a
national tragedy that many of these true American heroes
must contend with issues such as a homelessness, addiction,
and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and, that rather than
honoring their sacrifice, we as a nation have either
marginalized or forgotten those who have sacrificed so much
for us. Patricia Kennedy wants to make a difference and she
hopes that Step Up 4 Vets will be instrumental in giving our
veterans the lives they deserve.
For more information please
visit
www.StepUp4Vets.org