Special Events
The Special Event Department was formed to support the greater overall mission of Old St. Patrick's Church through hospitality and to encourage a sense of community, celebration, friendship and spirituality among the friends of Old St. Patrick's and the community of Chicago. The Special Events Department creates and expands event opportunities that serve the needs of diverse audiences, while generating significant funding to support operational and capital costs.
The Special Events calendar of Old St. Patrick’s Church includes four primary events:
Siamsa na ngael ~ March 17, 2009
Siamsa na nGael was created in recognition of Old St. Patrick’s 150th anniversary. This event honors the feast of St. Patrick and has become a well-known and anticipated event, presenting world-class Celtic entertainment. This year we are featuring the North American Premiere of world renowned Irish composer Shaun Davey's The Relief of Derry Symphony along with the spectacular Special Olympics Suite. This magnificent celebration will be narrated by Tony Award winning actor John Mahoney. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55 and are available through the Symphony Center Box office by calling 312.294.3000 or www.cso.org. For post-performance reception ticket packages or sponsorship opportunities, please call 312.831.9355.
The World’s Largest Block Party
July 18 & 19, 2008
The Block Party brings together thousands of people throughout the Chicago area for an annual summer celebration. The mission of the Block Party is to gather good people, to foster volunteerism and form enriching social relationships, while providing significant funding.
Over the years, countless people have shared their faith and commitment in the Block Party’s mission of hospitality and community. The number of people who volunteer annually (over 1,700 in 2007) and create life-long friendships exemplifies this. Clearly the Block Party has become a major annual event for many young adults in Chicago.
Hosting 18,000 people in the Old St. Pat's neighborhood for two nights on July 18 & 19th is no small task. To see a photo gallery of the 2007 Block Party, go to www.worldslargestblockparty.com.
For additional information, please contact Sheila Greifhahn at SheilaG@oldstpats.org or 312.798.2343.
Emerald Ball ~ September 26, 2008
Please join Old St. Patrick’s members and friends for a delightful evening of dinner and dancing. Emerald Ball will be held in the beautiful Grand Ballroom of Hilton Chicago. Individual tickets are $250 per person. Tables are also available. For more information or to receive an invitation, please call Annette Buys 312.831.9355.
Deck the Hall
Dec. 4, Dec. 5 & Dec. 6, 2008
Deck the Hall takes place in early December as we begin the Christmas season. The community of Old St. Patrick’s comes together to celebrate the most festive time of the year. Features of Deck the Hall have included a candlelight orchestral concert in the Church featuring Old St. Patrick’s Christmas Choir, with a cocktail party following in Old St. Patrick's Church's Hall. The popularity of this event has soared over the past several years, with Deck the Hall having sold-out audiences for the last eight years.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sheila Greifhahn at SheilaG@oldstpats.org or 312.798.2343.
Contact
Executive Director of Special Events and Sponsorship
Mrs. Barbara Hage
BarbaraH@oldstpats.org
312.831.9359
Director of Special Events
Mrs. Sheila Greifhahn
SheilaG@oldstpats.org
312.798.2343
Special Events Coordinator
Mrs. Annette Buys
annetteb@oldstpats.org
312.831.9355