IN THE LOOP SOCIAL STUDIES
POP THE BUBBLY
The Chicago Tribune
Terry Glover
March 14 2004
A side from a Hollywood red carpet, where could you find Will Farrell, Tommy Lee Jones, Jessica Simpson and the cast of “Will & Grace” sharing the same bill–if not in body, then signatures? At a recent Chicago House benefit, if you were lucky enough to snag a ticket to this fun, affordable affair. Co-hosted by Christopher Hubbard of the Bright Chair Company, Ian Nicholson of Hotel 71 and Oprah’s fave designer, Nate Berkus, the 2nd annual Champagne-Wrapture benefit helps fund the work of Chicago House, providing housing and supportive services for people living with HIV and AIDS. The auction featured the works of 30 designers who were let loose on 30 bottles of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, some autographed by Hollywood stars. Nate Berkus engaged in playful fisticuffs with a rival for the “Will & Grace” bottle (Sean Hayes is pictured at right). Steve Bruss’ “Zebra” bottle, signed by Tommy Lee Jones, got raves. But it was guest Corky Peterson who seized the day with a generous bid that won him the “Divine Miss M” signed by Bette Midler. “I hadn’t planned to bid. I was caught up in the moment.” So was Midler, apparently. When the first bottle was sent to her dressing room for signature, she did what only a diva could do: She drank it.
