Taste of the Great Lakes 2009: Savoring the Memories This year's Taste of the Great Lakes in Chicago was a success to savor, thanks to the 180 supporters who turned out to raise money for the Alliance's Great Lakes protection work and bid farewell to a longtime Alliance leader.The popular annual June fundraiser -- themed "Sip, Savor & Smile" -- raised $31,000 for the Alliance and goes down in the record book as the Alliance's most successful silent auction event yet with more than $10,000 in sales. The grand prize: A one-night package at the five diamond American Club in Kohler, Wis., and a foursome on the Whistling Straits Irish Course. The event also celebrated the promotion of Alliance Executive Director Cameron Davis, who left the Alliance at the end of June to accept an appointment by the Obama administration as the first-ever Great Lakes czar overseeing restoration of the lakes. Davis had been with the Alliance for 23 years, serving the last 11 years in its top post.
"It was a very joyous crowd," said Martha Borie Wood. "And a very enthusiastic 'goodbye' for Cam." Guests dined on regional seafood and seasonal fare from Shaw's Crab House, which hosted the event as it has in past years, and sipped signature brews from Goose Island Beer Company. Music was provided by Live Chicago Blues.Four 2009 Great Lakes Ally of the Year awards were presented at the event, honoring those whose work improves the health of the Great Lakes in the categories of volunteer, elected official, advisor and reporter. The following individuals were honored: Debbie Savaiano (volunteer); U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (elected official); William Black (advisor); and Gitte Laasby (reporter).
Special Thanks to Our Taste Sponsors Lake Sturgeon Sponsor
Deborah Loeser and Tom Small Yellow Perch Sponsors
Colman, Brohan & Davis
The Boeing Company Lake Trout Sponsors
Atlas Tube
Rockwell Automation
Great Lakes Boating
Debbie Musiker and David Chizewer
Kenneth W. O'Keefe & Jason Stevens
Carrie Davis & Agustin Gomez-Leal
Policy Analytics, LLC Whitefish Sponsors
17 N. State Street, LLC Updated 7-17-09
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