Upcoming Events
Below is a listing of upcoming events to benefit the MRIC and its two junior boards, the Medical Research Junior Board Foundation (MRJBF) and the North Suburban Medical Research Junior Board (NSMRJB).
Thursday, April 30, 200
Harris Private Bank
6:30-8:30 PM, Invitation Only
The 2009 MRIC Kick-Off/Welcome Party
The MRIC hosts a party that kicks-off each year’s fundraising campaign. It is held in various locations from the Wolfson Conference Center of the Children’s Medical Research Center to Chicago area restaurants. The 2009 Children’s Ball Co-Chairs, Donna Drescher and Debra Marcus, will announce the theme they have chosen for the Ball at this event.
Friday, April 17, 2009
6:00-10:00 PM
Enclave, 220 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
MRJBF A.B.C.: Art Benefiting Children
Master the art of giving as you enjoy a spectacular evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music and a showcase of work by local artists. Art and other unique items will be on sale with 35% of the art sale proceeds benefittingpediatric research initiatives at Children's Memorial Hospital.
To purchase event and raffle tickets in advance: Please call 773-880-3298 or visit www.childrensmemorial.org/friends/foundation/mrjbf.aspx.
Invitation Addressing Parties
The MRIC has had a long-standing tradition of addressing parties for the Children’s Ball Save-the-Date cards and invitations. MRIC Boardmembers and volunteers work in a charming home setting, enjoying each others company and a savory luncheon.The Save-the-Date addressing is usually held the last weeks of July and the invitation addressings are held in late September and/or early October.
If you would like to volunteer at one of the Addressing Parties, please visit our contact page, filling in your information and which event.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Highland Park, IL
Save-The-Date
A one-page Children's Ball Save-the-Date is addressed and stamped at this event.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Highland Park, IL
Suburban Addressing
A creative multi-part Children's Ball invitation is collated, stuffed, addressed and stamped at this event.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Chicago, IL
City Addressing
The balance of the Children's Ball Invitation will be collated, stuffed, stamped and mailed at this event.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Auto Werks
Northbrook, IL
NSMRJB Summer Soiree
Friday, October 23, 2009
7:30-11:30 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
MRJBF Cocktails for a Cause
Please join the Medical Research Junior Board Foundation for a memorable evening of cocktails featuring menu selections from premier Chicago restaurants, live and silent auctions, and musical entertainment.
Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 6:30 P.M.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
Premier Donor Party
A Premier Donor Party is held each year to recognize our donors who have made a donation commitment of $40,000 or more. This event takes place at beautiful and unique locations throughout the Chicago area.
The Children's Ball

Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hilton Hotel Chicago
51st Annual Children’ Ball
The Children’s Ball is the Medical Research Institute Council’s (MRIC) signature event. This year’s co-chairs are Donna Drescher and Debra Marcus, and the theme is Magical Moments: Hope, Dream, Believe. The MRIC’s year long fundraising campaign is celebrated at this black tie event with a night of elegance featuring lavish hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing. Town and Country magazine named the Children’s Ball, “The Second City’s First Party.” The price for a table of 10 begins at $8,000 and individual ticket prices begin at $800.
Children 4 Children
This event promotes the Children 4 Children advertising section in the Children's Ball program book and how the revenues benefit the MRIC.
Advisory Board Party
The Advisory Board is made up of past Campaign and Ball Chairmen from 1959 through today. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to serve in an advisory capacity to the current Campaign Co-Chairmen and facilitate the selection of future Campaign Co-Chairmen. Each year a reunion luncheon is planned for these women by the Advisory Board Co-Chairs. This is a working luncheon to brainstorm for the next year’s chairs.
Links ProAm Golf Tournament™
The Links ProAm Golf Tournament™ will not be held this year. Please check back in 2010.
Donor Party
The Donor Party is held each fall and recognizes all MRIC donors for the current campaign year.