Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle
Bisi Williams
Bruce Mau
A NOVEL LINEUP
For the last 12 years, Novel Affair has brought together award-winning authors and visual artists for an inspired evening of creative conversation in support of The Ragdale Foundation, a historic artists’ retreat in Lake Forest. This year’s lineup of guest artists includes an impressive list of novelists and creators, including several with Evanston connections. Bruce Mau and Bisi Williams, co-founders of the Evanston-based (thought internationally renowned) Massive Change Network are on the roster, along with conceptual artist and Evanston resident Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle. Two Northwestern University writing instructors, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist and author Achy Obejas and essayist Megan Stielstra, are also among the honored guests. Novel Affair kicks off on Friday, April 27, with presentations in schools from Chicago to Waukegan as part of the Ragdale in Schools program. The event continues Saturday, April 28, with a 4 p.m. cocktail reception at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff—a historic golf club offering stunning views of Lake Michigan from its David Adler-designed clubhouse. The reception is followed with intimate dinners hosted at distinctive North Shore homes, each featuring a different pair of authors/artists.
Tickets for teachers and book clubs are $125; tickets for the reception only are $150; and tickets for the dinner and reception are $500. For more information, call 847-234-1063 or visit ragdale.org.
CASINO ROYALE
In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha—the nation’s first black sorority—was established on the campus of Howard University. Today, it is a national organization that promotes “education, economic empowerment, health, and the importance of family” with chapters all over the world and across college campuses, including one right here in Evanston. Enjoli Daley, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and its Delta Chi Omega graduate chapter, says the group is comprised of more than 60 college-educated professional women working to do service in the community. On Saturday, May 5, Delta Chi Omega and its philanthropic Ivy Pearl Foundation will be hosting “Casino Royale,” an annual scholarship fundraiser to help support the next generation of leaders. “Many of our members attended Northwestern University and many were teachers at Evanston Township High School (ETHS),” Daley explains. “Currently we have a mentorship program for young women called ASCEND that is offered at ETHS. Our biggest scholarship is awarded to an ETHS senior, with several smaller scholarships being offered to other ETHS students as well as alumni who are currently in college.”
The May 5 fundraiser, being held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Evanston Art Center, is a casino-themed event with Las Vegas-style games, a silent auction showcase, dancing to DJ music, food, drinks, and cocktail attire. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit ivypearlfoundation.org.
Leave a Reply