Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, selected for Exhibit City News’ 40 Under 40

After reviewing numerous nominations, Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm, has been selected for Exhibit City News’ 40 under 40. To qualify, honorees needed at least 5 years of experience in trade show and association-related industries and show ingenuity, creativity and leadership in his or her career.

Durpetti, 30, has always enjoyed event planning and hoped of owning her own event company one day. In March 2008, Durpetti launched McGowan Durpetti & Associates with business partner, Denise McGowan.

With 10 years experience, she is a driven and dedicated woman to her company. Her attention to detail and witty personality are added benefits to working with Durpetti. The firm has produced events of all sizes, including Chicago Gateway Green’s Green Tie Ball in 2007 and 2008, and most recently the 4^th Annual Texas Hold’Em charity tournament which raised a record $35,000.

This honor will be featured in the August issue of Exhibit City News. In the meantime, check out McGowan Durpetti’s website at http://www.mcgowandurpeti.com/

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Chicago Gateway Green’s 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Raises Record Total

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, Chicago Gateway Green hosted its 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St.) to help raise money and promote awareness of its efforts to green and beautify Chicago. The World Series of Poker qualifying tournament hosted approximately 300 attendees and raised a record total of nearly $35,000, the highest amount in the tournament’s four-year history.

Participants in this year’s event played for the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino: a spot in the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. This year’s winner was Moses Chung of Chicago. Other prizes were given to top ten finalists and other players. Due to the charitable nature of this tournament, no cash was awarded.

The celebrity packed event included poker enthusiasts and supporters of Chicago Gateway Green, including former Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah, NBA star Chris Duhon, State Representative John Fritchey, Ward 33 Alderman Richard F. Mell, Survivor: Fiji’s Mookie Lee and Survivor: Palau’s Gregg Carey. Other media personalities included Kelli Zink of CelebTV, Jackie Tranchida of Metromix on CLTV, Natalie Martinez of NBC 5, Marcus Riley of 24/7 Chicago and NBC Chicago, President Obama impersonator and NBC-5 Street Team member Reggie Brown, Hannah Stanley of ESPN Radio and Audarshia Townsend, the 312 Dining Diva. The event was emceed by B96 afternoon radio personalities Doug Stylz and Justin Roman.

Ginger Zee and Rob Elgas of Chicago’s NBC 5 also attended the event to announce they are the co-chairs of Green Tie Ball 2009, Chicago Gateway Green’s annual gala happening Saturday, September 26 at Chicago Illuminating Company and surrounding vicinity (2110 S. Wabash in the South Loop).

Players and spectators enjoyed culinary treats from Galleria Marchetti and an open bar with premium liquor, including cocktails by event partner SYN Vodka. Other partners for the tournament include Horseshoe Casino, Chicago Magazine, WBBM-AM, 96.3 WBBM-FM, Votre Vu, Diva Limousine, 316 Barber Spa, Joseph A. Bank and Kurman Communications, Inc. The event was produced by McGowan Durpetti & Associates for the third consecutive year.
River North’s newest hot spot, Bull & Bear (431 N. Wells St.) hosted the official after-party of the tournament, donating $5 for each player that attended.

About Chicago Gateway Green
Chicago Gateway Green is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to the greening and beautification of expressways, gateways and neighborhoods of Chicago for more than 20 years. For more information about the organization, call (312) 540-9930 or visit http://www.gatewaygreen.org/.

(Photos by Wayne Ward)

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Bull and Bear hosts official after-party for Chicago Gateway Green

As if the impressive celebrity participation and once-in-a-lifetime grand prize weren’t enough to entice you to play in this charity tournament, Chicago Gateway Green is happy to announce that River North’s newest luxury hot spot, Bull & Bear (431 N. Wells St., 312-527-5973) will host the official after-party for the July 15 event.

Every player will receive a wristband and complimentary drink ticket to redeem at Bull & Bear, plus a guaranteed no wait in line. For every player that attends the after-party, Bull & Bear will donate $5 to Chicago Gateway Green.

There’s still time to purchase tickets! Visit www.greenpoker.eventbrite.com to get the hottest ticket in town.

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

McGowan Durpetti & Associates featured in BizBash

The July/August issue of BizBash magazine profiles Denise McGowan and Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm best known for producing Chicago Gateway Green’s annual Green Tie Ball for the past two years.

“One summer night in 2007, a fortuitous thing happened while Michelle Durpetti–then an independent event planner–was on a riverboat cruise in Chicago. After years as a publicist at event planning and public affairs firm Jasculca/Terman and Associates, Durpetti had one thing left on her dream-job list: She wanted to work on Chicago’s Green Tie Ball. ‘I would have swept out bathrooms to work on that event,’ she says of the Gateway Green’s annual fund-raiser. ‘It just seemed like the biggest and brightest and best of the social galas–I really wanted to be a part of it.’

Then, on that summertime cruise, Durpetti and Denise McGowan, another independent planner with 30 years of experience–including a nine-year stint as Navy Pier’s entertainment director–who was then overseeing logistics for that summer’s Green Tie Ball. A few days later, the two were working side by side as associate producers of the 3,000-guest event.” –Jenny Berg, BizBash

The MD&A team is currently working on Chicago Gateway Green‘s 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament Wednesday, July 15 at Galleria Marchetti, and is set to once again produce the 2009 Green Tie Ball event for the third consecutive year. To read the complete BizBash article, press here.

For more information about the July 15 event, visit http://texasholdemtournamentchicago.blogspot.com.

(Photo: Nicole Radja, BizBash)

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Hunter Hillenmeyer, Chris Duhon and other celebs to join July 15 charity event

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament benefiting Chicago Gateway Green. This is your chance to play among the stars! Joining the already stellar celebrity lineup for the July 15 event are Chicago Bears linebacker, Hunter Hillenmeyer; NBA star, Chris Duhon; plus two players from the Chicago Red Stars female soccer team. Also set to play this year is 101.9 FM morning personality, Kathy Hart from the “Eric and Kathy” show; Ashley Bond, 2009 Miss Illinois; and Ali Azhar of HGTV fame.

Not only will you get the chance to try your poker hand against these celebs, but you’ll also have the chance to win the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino: a spot in the 2010 World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas.

Visit www.greenpoker.eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets today!

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Celebrity participation at July 15 charity Texas Hold ‘Em tournament for Chicago Gateway Green

Chicago Gateway Green is happy to announce several local media personalities and celebrities that are participating in the Fourth Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament July 15 at Galleria Marchetti. Practicing their poker faces include TV personalities Jackie Tranchida from “Metromix” on CLTV, Marcus Riley from “24/7 Chicago” and NBC 5, Michelle Alegria from “190 North” on ABC, plus nightlife extraordinaire, Audarshia Townsend, the 312 Dining Diva.

Other players ready to get their game on include Chicagoan Mookie Lee from “Survivor: Fiji,” former Chicago Bears cornerback/kick returner, Jerry Azumah and State Senator, John Fritchey. This year’s event will be emceed by WBBM-FM B96 afternoon personalities, Stylz and Roman.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a 501 (c)3 organization that has been dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods for more than 20 years. Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased at http://greenpoker.eventbrite.com/. For more information, visit http://www.gatewaygreen.org/.

Photos:
Mookie Lee, cbs.com
Jerry Azumah, MNJ Public Relations

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Chicago Gateway Green Announces Fourth Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament presented by Horseshoe Casino July 15

Chicago Gateway Green announces its Fourth Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St., Chicago). Texas Hold ‘Em players buy-in with a $150 donation, which earns them $5,000 in chips and the chance to win the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago: a spot in the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

In addition to Texas Hold ‘Em, a variety of other gaming has been added to this year’s event including roulette, craps and black jack. There also will be ‘Sit and Go’ tables where eliminated players have the opportunity to buy back in to poker games, although they will no longer be eligible for the grand prize.

For those not trying their luck at the tables, spectator admission is $25. Guests are encouraged to ‘get in the game,’ and take a chance for a great cause.

Due to the charitable nature of this event, no cash is awarded; however, all players are eligible for a variety of prizes for each of the games. All proceeds benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago.

“We have poker players from all over the state and across the country play in this tournament,” says Vince Pagone, managing director of Chicago Gateway Green. “It’s for a terrific cause, and the grand prize is really a priceless opportunity. We’re fortunate to have Horseshoe Casino continue their generous support of Chicago Gateway Green for this event.”

In 2008, more than 120 players participated, including local media personality Richard Roeper, columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times as well as other celebrities, including television personalities Mookie Lee from Survivor: Fiji, and Ali Azhar of HGTV fame.

This year’s event promises even more celebrity participation including WBBM-FM B96 afternoon personalities, Stylz and Roman, who serve as celebrity emcees for the event providing special announcements and commentary throughout the evening.

Last year’s event raised more than $30,000 for Chicago Gateway Green to continue their mission of the greening and beautification of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods.

“We are very happy to be working with Chicago Gateway Green and Horseshoe Casino on this charity tournament again this year, and hope to raise even more money for a wonderful cause that improves the quality of life in Chicago,” says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm specializing in event management, creative development and production.

Guests at the event also are treated to a lavish appetizer buffet as well as an open bar with soft drinks, beer, wine and premium spirits with the admission fee. An outdoor patio lounge invites guests to take a break from the game and enjoy the lush Marchetti garden setting and other amenities including a professional cigar roller.

Chicago Gateway Green is happy to have a number of charitable donors and partners for this year’s event including Horseshoe Casino, Chicago Magazine, WBBM-AM, 96.3 WBBM-FM, Votre Vu, Diva Limousine, SYN Vodka, 316 Barber Spa, Joseph A. Bank and Kurman Communications, Inc. Special thanks to North Bank whose volunteers are acting as the evening’s charitable gaming cashiers.

About Horseshoe Casino
The all new 500 million-dollar Horseshoe Casino, a Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gaming destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with 3,200 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, the largest poker room in the Midwest, keno and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination. In conjunction with AEG Live and created by the award-winning designers of Sceno Plus, The Venue offers a premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 4,000 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Home Cookin’, and scrumptious fare at J.B.s Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads. For more information, call 866-711-SHOE or visit www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

About Chicago Gateway Green
The charitable gaming license number for this event is CG-01597. Proceeds from the Texas Hold ‘Em event will benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to the greening and beautification of expressways, gateways and neighborhoods of Chicago for more than 20 years. For more information about the organization, call (312) 540-9930 or visit www.gatewaygreen.org.

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McGowan Durpetti & Associates produced Green Tie Ball makes BizBash’s Top 100 Events List

Chicago Gateway Green’s annual Green Tie Ball, produced for the past two years by Denise McGowan and Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates (MD&A), was named the top “Benefit” as part of BizBash‘s “Chicago’s Top 100 Events” roundup. See the full article on page 68 of the March/April issue, or download here.

This isn’t the first time the year-old company has been recognized for its efforts. The 2008 Green Tie Ball was listed as the number one event in the ‘Top 100 Events in Chicago’ list last year in BizBash. More recently, the Chicago Sun-Times named Green Tie Ball as one of the top three charity events to attend in Chicago.

The MD&A team has a combined 45 years experience in entertainment, events and marketing and specializes in event production and management for many corporations, associations and non-profit organization, including Chicago Gateway Green.

For more information about MD&A, or to see how they can help with your next event, call (312) 994-2620 or visit http://www.mcgowandurpetti.com/.

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.