WGN-TV celebrates 19th Annual Ball with the “WGN-TV 60th Anniversary Ball” benefitting Off The Street Club

February 27, 2008

CHICAGO – In celebration of 60 years as Chicago's Very Own, WGN-TV will host the "WGN-TV 60th Anniversary Ball," previously known as the Bozo Ball, on Saturday, May 3 at Navy Pier.

Past Balls have been a tremendous success raising more than five million dollars in the last 18 years. Net proceeds will benefit Off The Street Club, a Club for boys and girls on Chicago's west side. The Grand Prize Game and auctions will be back by popular demand featuring a number of unique prizes and one-of-a-kind opportunities for guests.

This year, WGN-TV historical items will be on display during the cocktail hour and in a unique raffle twist, guests will be able to donate while 'rocking out' and experiencing "Guitar Hero," "Rock Band" and "Dance Dance Revolution."

Tom Ehlmann, chairman of the WGN-TV 60th Anniversary Ball and VP/general manager of WGN-TV commented, "This is an exciting and landmark year for WGN-TV.

In celebrating our anniversary, we're honoring our association with Off The Street Club, a haven for so many children on the west side. We're proud of the support the Chicago advertising community gives to this event and look forward to celebrating the 19th Ball with the same great success."

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama and Mayor Richard M. Daley will serve as honorary co-chairs. Co-chairs include: Kay Allison, Founder/CEO Energy Infuser; Ron Bess, COO Euro RSCG North America/President & CEO Chicago; Rick Carpenter, President & CEO, DDB Chicago; Mary Kay Haben, Group Vice President and Managing Director North America Wm Wrigley Jr. Company; Betsy Holden, President of Off The Street Club Board and Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company, Chicago; Rhonda Jordan, President North American Cheese and Dairy, Kraft Foods; Jim Marino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alberto Culver Company; John Muszynski, CEO Starcom USA; Mark Pacchini, President of Global Accounts and China, Draftfcb; Tonise Paul, President and CEO of Energy BBDO; Rich Stoddart, President of Leo Burnett, and Brian Williams, President/CEO of Element 79.

The Ball is offering a new sponsorship level this year – the $10,000 Big Top Sponsorship which includes two 'premium seating' tables of ten, "Rock Out" game sponsorship during the cocktail hour, VIP post-party admittance to a Billy Dec club, big-screen logo display and champagne.

The $6,000 Champagne Sponsorship includes one table of ten, premium seating on the main floor of the Grand Ballroom, a sponsor corporate logo prominently displayed via 35-ft screens during dinner, and two bottles of champagne.

An optional second table can be purchased for an additional $2,000. The $5,000 Grand Ballroom Table includes one table of ten and preferred seating on the main floor of the grand ballroom. General tickets for the WGN-TV 60th Anniversary Ball are $500 per person.

Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club's mission is to be an alternative to violent street gangs and to offer an after-school place where kids can be kids. Their motto is, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

For more information on the Ball, or to order tickets, contact Diana Dionisio at (773) 883-3412, ddionisio@tribune.com.

WGN-TV (Channel 9) is Chicago's CW network affiliate, programming a strong schedule of news, sports and entertainment. WGN's digital signals are available throughout the Chicago area on WGN-DT, with most CW programs and all regular season Chicago Cubs and White Sox games, and Chicago Bulls home games in high definition on Channel 9.1 ( Comcast Cable 192, RCN Cable 513, WOW Cable 206, and DIRECTV HD 9). Via cable and satellite distribution outside the Chicago area, Superstation WGN is available nationally. WGN-TV is a Tribune Broadcasting station. For additional information, visit WGN-TV's web site at www.wgntv.com.