The Yellow Umbrella Party

 

On October 17, 2019, the Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation held its first benefit, the Yellow Umbrella Party, at the Park West in Chicago. While the main focus of the night was fundraising for the causes that the Foundation champions—child literacy and ovarian cancer early detection research and awareness—the event also celebrated Amy’s work and her characteristic spontaneity, creativity, and sense of wonder. 

The benefit was highlighted by the participation of Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award-winning, film and television star, Jennifer Garner. Ms. Garner is currently producing a film project based on “Yes Day!”, a children’s book by Amy and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Ms. Garner told the benefit attendees about her deep connection to “Yes Day!” and how she has adopted the practice of scheduling a yearly Yes Day with her three children. Ms. Garner delighted attendees with her reading of “Yes Day!” and two essays from Amy’s memoir “Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal.”

Other highlights of the evening included:

    • a captivating set of live music by singer-songwriter, Luke Sital-Singh;

    • additional readings of Amy’s work by author John Green;

    • amusing, interactive activities, including a greenscreen photobooth and the witty Documents Bureau run by the Society of Smallness ;

    • a raffle where attendees had a chance, for just $20 per ticket, to win 18K gold and diamond earrings by LA jewelry designer Dale Hernsdorf valued at $2900;

    • a photobooth. Click here for photos!

    • silent and live auctions that included, (1) honorary bat boy/girl for the Chicago White Sox; (2) vacations and hotel stays; (3) New York City Broadway and Chicago theater, Bulls, and Cubs tickets; and (4) priceless items, including the opportunity for an aspiring writer to get his or her picture book manuscripts reviewed by one of Amy’s longtime editors; and,

    • the debut of a new video about Amy and the AKR Foundation, produced by one of Amy’s frequent collaborators, Steve Delahoyde. See that video below:

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner

The Yellow Umbrella Party brought out more than 200 attendees. The donations raised will help make a difference by funding books to children that desperately need them as well as funding the Amy Krouse Rosenthal Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Research Grant.

 
Ruby Western