One day about six weeks ago, advertising photographer and loyal Democrat Steve Ewert got more steamed up than usual over something President Bush said. “We gotta do something to help John Kerry make it to the White House,” he stormed to West Loop Studio staff. They agreed. So did a cadre of Ewert’s friends.
The result is the June 30 Chicago Creatives for Kerry ? a mix of art and politics to be held in the gallery setting of West Loop Studio, 17 N. Elizabeth St., starting at 5:30 p.m.
The goal is to bring together the creative community ? advertising, graphic arts, photography and film ? to raise a projected goal of $100,000 for John Kerry’s campaign.
Minimum donation is $100 and maximum is $2,000. As an added incitement for bigger checks, $500 contributors receive a specially-designed T-shirt, and $1,000 and $2,000 contributors will receive one or two, art prints or original artworks, respectively, rounded up by West Loop Studio manager Annie Nagengast.
Special guests will be the candidate’s sister, Diana Kerry, and Illinois Congressmen Danny Davis and Rahm Emanuel. Popular comedian Aaron Freeman volunteered to MC and jazz great Judy Roberts and her quartet will perform.
Helping to stage the event are advertising consultant Bruce Bendinger, DKP Image and Media President David Kogan, spot producer Peter Norman, corporate producer Alex Kogan and Annie Negengast.
“Because of federal election laws,” noted Bendinger, author of the Copy Workbook, “June 30 will be your last chance to attend a fundraiser or make contributions to this most important campaign.”
Artists so far who have donated their work are Tony Fitzpatrick, Paul Elledge, Lee Tracy, Michael Girard, Barbara Karant, Bette Cerf Hill, Megan Williamson, Erika Dufour, Steve Ewert and L.A. photographer Steve Hix. More art is on its way, “as the word keeps spreading like a wide web about what we’re doing,” Nagengast said.
Guests will have a good time doing their part to support Kerry, with food and drinks generously provided by the owners of Catering by Michaels, The Hardy Boys, The Wishbone and Jerry’s Deli.
IMPORTANT!Prepayment is preferred. Federal election laws require that you provide your name, address, phone number, employer and occupation on your check, or on a separate sheet of paper. Make out your checks to John Kerry for President, Inc. and send to John Kerry for President, 432 N. Clark St., #203, Chicago, 60610.
Email your reservation to Michael Lake at mlake@johnkerry.com, providing your name and address, etc., and a credit card number, or phone 312/832-0220 to reserve. Space is filling quickly, so do it today.
