FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWO SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE JULY 2004 CHICAGO GIFT & HOME MARKET™ TAKE CENTER STAGE
A Silent Auction and Block Party round out this summer’s Market
CHICAGO (July 15, 2004) – The July Chicago Gift & Home Market™ at The Merchandise Mart is one of the largest gift shows in the country, hosting 350 showrooms and 700 temporary exhibitors. The July 2004 show, being held from July 21–28, 2004, features two very special events to enhance the experience of attendees. The Silent Auction and the Block Party provide major points of interest during the Market while supporting a good cause. Net proceeds from both events benefit Gift for Life, a coalition of concerned gift industry professionals who work to support amfAR, the nation’s leading non-profit AIDS research, prevention, treatment, education and advocacy program. Many major participants have come together to make these two events possible.
4th Annual Silent Auction
Wednesday, July 21–Sunday, July 25
Once again, showrooms and industry professionals have been enlisted to showcase their creative talents by decorating plain pillows (donated by Eastern Accents Chicago), to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The unique creations will be on display outside of participating showrooms from Wednesday, July 21 through noon on Sunday, July 25, for attendees to bid on at a silent auction. A list of participants can be found at the Starting Gate display in the south lobby and the information desks on floors 12-15. Final bidding will take place during the Summertime Block Party on Sunday.
Merchandise Mart Showrooms participating in the Pillow Auction:
Aldik, 1515
Caffco, Int’l., 1532
Caroline Carlson & Co., 14-100
Casa Bella, 1578
Christopher Radko, 1415
Country Home Creations, 12-616
Creative Co-op, Inc., 12-153
CWI Gifts & Crafts, 12-404
Demdaco, 12-205
Flowers, Inc. Balloons, 12-233
Goebel of North America, 13-149
H.T. Ardinger & Son Co., 1525
Ivan Bloom Associates, 1598
Mahon Marketing, Inc. 13-554
Mair Hill & Associates, Inc., 13-616
Michael Ashley & Associates, 12-608/610
Ms. Dee, Inc./Molly ’N Me, 13-526
Orchard Street Associates, 12-322
Pacific Rim Imports, 1551
Raz Imports, 1475
Russell Rades & Associates, 12-312
Silvestri, 12-239
The Lang Companies, 12-225
T.R. McTaggart, 12-562
Vera Bradley, 12-238
7th Annual Summertime Block Party
Sunday, July 25 • 6–8 p.m.
The most anticipated party of the year, buyers, showrooms and exhibitors will gather on The Mart’s South Drive for the 7th Annual Summertime Block Party. This year’s event features entertainment by the Bandoleros. Guests will enjoy food from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and caterers, including:
Armando’s
Bistro Margot
Blue Plate Catering
Bob Chinn’s
Capital Grille
Catch 35
Coco Pazzo
Firenze Catering
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza Catering
Jamba Juice
Mexican Trade Commission
Phil Stefani
Pili Pili
SWK
Taste America Catering
Tokyo Lunch Box
In an effort to increase financial support, several showrooms generously sponsored this event:
§ Platinum sponsor – Demdaco
§ Gold sponsor – Ivan Bloom Associates
§ Silver sponsors – Bags & Bows, Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Pacific Rim Imports
Tickets for the Block Party are $20 each or four for $70. A ticket order form can be downloaded at www.merchandisemart.com or tickets can be purchased on site at the guest booth.
For more information on Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) or the July 2004 Chicago Gift & Home Market, please visit www.merchandisemart.com and click on “Chicago Gift & Home Market” or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
The Chicago Gift & Home Market is a trademark of MMPI. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Apparel Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington, D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Joanna Mineau
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
312.527.7074
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