The French Alliance in Chicago: 120 Years of Savior Faire

June 2, 2017 in I On The Scene

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The French Alliance in Chicago celebrated its 120th anniversary in spectacular style with “Une Belle Epoque” at Ovation Chicago. This significant soiree kicked off at 6:00 P.M. with a V.I.P. reception complete with unique performances and wine by sommelier Richard Young of Christie’s.

Under the expert guidance of President Hervé de la Vauvre and Director John McCord, the French Alliance of Chicago’s impressive history dates back to 1897 with a mission to be “Chicago’s French cultural and learning center dedicated to the study of the French language, cultural exchange, and friendship between Americans and French-speaking people.” Throughout a typical calendar year, the Alliance offers a variety of activities for kids as well as adults, including language classes, children’s summer camps, French movie nights, and French cuisine classes.

Noémie Marie-Saint Germain (left) travelled all the way from Morocco to attend with her mother Isabelle (right) and father, Honorary Event Chairman Hervé de la Vauvre (not pictured).

Annie Ergas, Ralph Wanger, Betsey Pinkert and Monique Clarine

Artist David Lee Csicsko recreates the whimsy of the Belle Epoque on paper.

Steven Zick auctions Csicsko's finished artwork, with the help of a few Galaxie Girls. — Steven Zick auctions Csicsko’s finished artwork, with the help of a few Galaxie Girls.

The caricaturist captures Mary Ellen Connellan's sunny smile. — The caricaturist captures Mary Ellen Connellan’s sunny smile.

Magician Sean Masterson entertains guests with a few tricks up his sleeve.

A live and silent auction offering magnificent items ranging from an exotic trip to Casablanca, prized artwork, vintage wine, rare jewelry, antiques, and even a chauffeur-driven 1959 Silver Cloud Rolls Royce were all on display for French enthusiasts to choose from, with proceeds supporting the cultural and educational programs of Alliance Française. An entertaining ambiance flowed throughout Ovation as the wine was generously poured at 7:00 with an abundance of French cuisine samples for all in attendance, followed by exquisite desserts so appealing they resembled artwork.

The savoir-faire of the Alliance Française has unmistakably left its imprint on Chicago’s society since 1897, uplifting us and positively influencing our viewpoint on everything from couture to artwork to fine wine.

Congratulations to President Herve de la Vauvre, Director John McCord, and all of their associates for an unforgettable evening, sparking the excitement of French culture from the 1890s to today.

Viva la France!

About Jim Wattron

Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, with a degree in Business Administration. Jim has worked with the team from the beginning and he consistently strives for innovation with refreshing topics that inspire readers with context of new adventures and happenings, locally and internationally. Read more from this author.