'Chair'-ity benefits McCord House

Art lovers bid on creatively designed chairs Saturday at the annual charity benefit for the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center in Palos Park.

The "McCord Chair-ity" event, which also included dinner and dancing, drew more than 160 people. Fifteen chairs were auctioned during a live auction, and others were sold in a silent auction.

"We have a great turnout. And we're seeing a lot of new faces this year, which is exciting," event co-chairwoman Jeanette Wood said. "Fundraising is what will keep the McCord House open."

While most of the proceeds will go to the venue's programs and operating costs, a portion is also being donated to the Crisis Center of South Suburbia, which provides services to domestic violence victims.

Among the more interesting chair designs were a golf-themed piece entitled "Par for the Course"; the "Ballerina Stool"; a "White Sox" chair with a painting of Ozzie Guillen; a garden-themed chair entitled "The Gardeners' Choice"; and "California Cafe Chairs," signed by actors Robert Wagner and Jill St. John.

McCord House board member Pat Martin said guests came not only from the south suburbs, but from the Chicago area, other Midwestern states, and even Kentucky.

"There are people from all over. It's a wonderful party. And everyone is so supportive," Martin said.

Linda and John Buchanan, of Palos Park, attended this year and last.

"It's an important benefit for the Crisis Center of South Suburbia and for the McCord House," Linda Buchanan said.

"It's been a fun evening," said Sara Arnas, the McCord Gallery's managing director. "(The auction) has been my pet project. It's nice to see it grow."

Cynthia Weglarz, of Palos Park, and her daughter-in-law Vanya had the winning bid for the "California Cafe Chairs." The pair sold for $800, the evening's highest bid.

"We're happy to get them. We're going to put them in our family vacation home in New Buffalo, Mich.," Cynthia Weglarz said.

The evening's emcee was WMAQ-TV (Channel 5) reporter Natalie Martinez. Party-goers were also able to view the McCord House's current show, "Folk Art: Art and Soul," which is on display through Oct. 28.