Valuable raffle and silent auction prizes of winter weekend getaways at top hotels and tickets to major sports events will be part of the festivities at the 7th annual CAFM Holiday Hurrah Party Monday, Dec. 14 at the Bottom Lounge.
From 150 to 200 guests are expected to attend, starting at 7 p.m., who will enjoy an open bar for the first hour, hors d’oeuvres served all night long, and dancing to DJ music beginning at 10 p.m.
The party is nonprofit Chicago Acting in Film Meetup’s (CAFM) main fundraiser to support its educational, co-mentoring and outreach programs throughout the year and to partner with organizations like CIMMfest on talent business seminars.
(CAFM also helps the monthly Chicago Creatives Cocktail Party , which now unites members of nine visual media-related organizations.)
Last year’s Holiday Hurrah at the Bottom Lounge netted $3,000 and “we hope we can meet or surpass that amount this year,” says Steve Scholz, former CAFM VP, who joined in the year after actress / producer Grace McPhillips founded the organization.
CAFM’s membership currently stands at 104 actors who specialize in on-camera roles and are staying busy with parts in the four network TV shows filming in Chicago. (SAG AFTRA estimated these shows alone cast 1,600 local actors per season.)
“Membership in CAFM is $60 annually, which breaks down to $5 a month or the cost of a latte,” says Scholz.
Two-day, weekend stays at the downtown Hyatt Regency Chicago McCormick Place and Club Quarters hotels and restaurant gift certificates are the grand prizes, for a $20 ticket investment.
Holders of $5 Premium Industry Raffle tickets could win prizes like headshot photography and time with acting coaches, while Silent Auction prizes include sports tickets and 10 minutes with a casting director and/or talent agent.
The Bottom Lounge is at 1375 W. Lake; 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $50 until Nov. 30, $65 Dec. 1-13 and $100 Dec. 13 at the door. Purchase tickets here. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-cafm-holiday-hurrah-at-bottom-lounge-in-chicago-tickets-19309911465
