Goombay Bash is a Huge Success

The 11th annual Goombay Bash was held Sat., Aug. 6 at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Goombay Bash is the largest fundraising event of the H Foundation and a party to rival all parties with a Caribbean casual style.

The H Foundation, a non-profit organization, is made up of local entrepreneurs and business owners in the La Grange area. The foundation began when a young woman who was a friend to many in the group passed away as a result of cancer at the age of 31. They agreed that they wanted to do something to help fight this dreaded disease—and the H Foundation was formed.

The board members of the H Foundation are Dan Chopp, Chopp Commercial Properties; Tom Cunningham, DeSitter Flooring; Steve DeSitter, DeSitter Flooring; Neil Graves, Tri-State Sales and Service; Tim Hayes, Hayes & Associates; Julie Jandris, Eby-Brown; Steve Jasinski, First National Bank of La Grange; Neil Johnson, Practice Development Partners; Michael LaPidus, Q BBQ; Trey Morris, 97.1 The Drive; Julie Olsowka, Hortons Home Lighting; Steve Palmer, Palmer Place; Jeff Pieta, AIS Labs; David Rizner, Hortons Home Lighting; John Rot, Hortons Home Lighting; Dean Rouso, Prime Property Partners; Mark Shapland, Becknell Development; Danny Tischler, Tischler Finer Foods and Ryan Williamson, Horizon Wealth Management.

As is the case with many things, this idea was hatched over cocktails. In fact Goombay Bash is a take-off of the cocktail, the Goombay Smash. The first Goombay Bash was held in Burr Ridge, then moved to different venues including La Grange Country Club and is now hosting more than 1,100 people at Navy Pier. The group has raised more than $4 million dollars and nearly all funds go directly to The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Mike and Lisa Morrissy of La Grange Park attended for the first time in many years. Lisa last attended the Goombay Bash at La Grange Country Club.

“I was so impressed with how well-run, how well-organized everything was. It was so well appointed,” said Morrissy, about the Aug. 6 event. “All of the raffles were fun; it was easy to bid on the silent auction. For example, if you bought and popped a balloon for a donation, there were great coupons for downtown La Grange. There were so many different ways to contribute and it was really fun.”

The Morrissys took one of the buses to Navy Pier. They left on the 5 p.m. bus and there were buses returning to La Grange starting at 10 p.m. “For only $5, it was a great bargain and also the only way to go,” Lisa Morrissy said.

The La Grange area is a neighborhood based upon community spirit: the Goombay Bash is a working example of the friendships that are forged and nurtured in order to make this event what it is today.

“Our committees are phenomenal,” said Mary Sanders, event coordinator. “It is through the friendships that the business owners have that has made this event such a success. Donations are plentiful and generous.” Helping Mary with the event coordination is Meaghan Dunne, assistant event coordinator.

Additionally, the H Foundation has been nominated for a CLASSY Award. The CLASSY Awards are the largest philanthropic awards ceremony in the country. Since July 25, America has been voting for one winner in each of the 12 categories. The top 10 winners are chosen by popular vote until the contest closing on Aug. 26.

The winner of each category will be announced live during an award ceremony in San Diego. The winner in each category receives $10,000 toward their charity.

The H Foundation has been nominated in the category of “Most Successful Fundraiser by Individual or Group.” The group is contestant No. 14. You may cast your vote on voteno2cancer.com. You may vote only once in each category.

With the summer of 2011 winding down, Goombay Bash is an event to plan for in 2012, when the 12th annual "best party ever" will be held once again in early August.