By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
August 7, 2002
The Friends of the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club made quite the splash with their first Beach Blast. Held at Phil Stefani’s kicky Castaways Restaurant at the North Avenue Beach–a favorite hangout for the Chicago cast of this season’s “The Real World”–the benefit attracted almost 200 revelers wearing their best casual beach attire.
Surveying the crowd, Deloris Jordan appeared particularly chic and cool in a crisp summer suit.
“I’m so grateful to everyone for coming out and trying to make a difference,” she said. “This has been such a wonderful evening, and we’re all very happy with the turnout.”
More than $18,000 was raised to benefit the club, which was named in honor of Jordan’s late husband. Sandy Matthews of the M&J Foundation presented a $10,000 check donated by Michael and Juanita Jordan. Stefani sponsored the party.
Michael Jordan also donated the even-ing’s coveted door prize–an autographed basketball.
Upon winning, Tobin Finwall clutched her prize and said, “I don’t think I’ll let anyone play with this one.” Well, maybe one person. She wouldn’t mind if Michael wanted to shoot a few hoops with it.
Courtney Thompson served as the evening’s chairwoman. Committee members Lara Shipp, Neal Zucker, Drew Becher, Robin Segal, Elizabeth Shure Berger and Frank Goldstin were on hand to greet guests.
Goldstin’s GM Productions arranged for the party’s entertainment–steel band Island Dreams, which played all evening. And Kristin Cerwin of Absolut Vodka–which donated the liquor for the event–busily worked the crowd to make sure guests such as Jam Productions’ Steve Traxler and Jerry Mickelson, who was joined by his lovely girlfriend Julia Moore, were having a wonderful time.
