Musicians at the entrance set the mood as guests arrive.

Plush animals encourage guests to support the "Fund a Need" program.

A rustic bar.

Guests snap a shot at the photo booth.

A home-style seating area.

The silent auction.

Auction signage carries through the rustic look.

An Escada handbag up for auction.

The dining area in the dinner tent. 

Leaving the city behind, guests were treated to a majestic trip through the woodlands and grasslands of Africa. Erin McDonald Co., Frost Chicago, and Jewell Events Catering worked closely together to create an ambiance that emulated the vast African landscape using papyrus, natural rustic colors, wood, and copper accents. 

Dramatic place setting.

The menu cover .... 

... and inside. From Jewell Events Catering: A mini iceberg wedge salad accented with a giraffe lavosh, tableside service of suya filet mignon and Zulu fire grilled prawn, and strawberry-lemon tart.

From Jewell, the event's signature gin and tonic.

The pretty sushi appetizer.

French onion tartlet.

Bacon-wrapped breadsticks.

Zucchini wraps.

Bite-size tacos.

The beautiful dinner table.

The salad course: Gluten-free mini iceberg wedge with chopped bacon, tomato, blue cheese, spicy Green Goddess sauce, accented with a "giraffe" lavosh.

The entree: Suya filet mignon and Zulu Fire grilled prawn, Potatoes Savoyard, bundle of green asparagus, plum tomatoes with baby spinach, and Zulu Fire tomato vinaigrette.

Dessert course: Strawberry Lemon Tart, composed of strawberry compote, lemon custard, strawberry pink peppercorn bavaroise, chocolate cremeux, fresh mango, fresh berries and bubble sugar.

The Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra rocks the party.

The beautiful tent comes alive with lighting as guests get ready to dance dance dance.

A doughnut cart provides a late-night bite.

The lovely "glamping" lounge area.