October 2, 2009–The 13th Annual SOS Children’s Villages Illinois Gala, held at the Westin River North, brought a sense of joy to attendees who witnessed fantastical performances and special presentations by some of Chicago’s young aspiring artists. Co-chaired by Sarah Beardsley Tetzlaff and Paul Durbin, the gala’s theme, Kaleidoscope: Play in a New Way, rang true throughout the evening as a parade of talented street performers, musicians, singers, and actors created an atmosphere of wonder and amusement. Much like a kaleidoscope, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois consists of many colorful and unique components that together form the beautifully multi-faceted lives of the children living at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois in Lockport and in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood. The gala met its fundraising goal of more than $200,000, which will help support the families in care of SOS and provide much-needed education assistance.