A Chicago body shop is turning its 75th birthday party into a charitable cause by donating proceeds from the event to a charity providing medical care in earthquake-shattered Haiti.
Erie-LaSalle Body Shop says it’s hosting a charity event, "A Night in Support of Haiti," from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 at Martini Park, 151 W. Erie St. Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers and an open bar with a $40 advance admission fee ($50 at the door), from which 100 percent is donated to Partners in Health, a charity that has been working on the ground for more than 20 years.
"As soon as I heard of the tragedy in Haiti, I felt compelled to my lend support. I was already planning Erie-LaSalle’s 75th anniversary party, so it seemed like a great opportunity to tie the two together," says Erie-LaSalle Body Shop’s owner Bob Gottfred. "Partners in Health is a natural fit for me because they have been established in Haiti for two decades. As a longtime business owner myself, I know the importance of going to someone you can trust."
Erie-LaSalle has been repairing and servicing vehicles at its Erie and LaSalle Street location since 1934.
In addition to their efforts in Haiti, Partners In Health (PIH) works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in eight other countries around the world. The work of PIH has three goals: to care for patients, to alleviate the root causes of disease in communities and to share lessons learned around the world.
More information:
• Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to the event early online at www.erielasalle.com/haiti
• Admission includes an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails including four specialty martinis, like the Erie-LaSalle Body ShopTini. Passed appetizers are provided during the event. Guests have an opportunity to win raffle prizes, and Martini Park’s signature live band plays throughout the night.
