The 2021 Champagne Luncheon, presented by First Midwest Bank

214 N. Ottawa St,Joliet IL 60432

24 November, 2021

Description

This is no ordinary luncheon! The waiter may actually hide your silverware and ask you to “buy” it back! Get ready for the “Pouring Twenties!” For over 30 years Cornerstone Services has hosted The Champagne Luncheon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It’s a zany fundraiser that generates much-needed resources so essential to our programs for people with disabilities. In fact, the Champagne Luncheon has become a tradition in Joliet. It’s the perfect way to get an early start on the Thanksgiving holiday. And, it’s no ordinary fundraiser! Over 300 people routinely attend, enjoying a delicious meal, while being entertained by some of our community’s own star citizens. Last year was a little different—to put it mildly. But, we’re ready to let the champagne flow again, and hope you are, too! The Champagne Luncheon returns to the historic Renaissance Center in Downtown Joliet on Nov. 24, 2021. It’s a beautiful venue for an event that’s equal parts glamour and laughter! This is the only luncheon where the waiter may actually hide your silverware and ask you to “buy” it back! This is the only luncheon where you can pay waiters to get on stage and sing any song you can think of--whether or not they know the words, and whether or not they can actually sing. That’s because it’s the guests who are the real power brokers at this event. They can turn the tables on their entrepreneurial waiter by asking him or her to get on stage and perform in exchange for a tip. “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” tends to be a crowd-pleaser, but it’s really anything goes after a while.   Of course all the tip money is happily passed on to Cornerstone Services. Each year Cornerstone welcomes about 30 Star Waiters and over 300 guests to the annual fundraiser. Guests are treated to a fabulous lunch, while their waiters serve champagne and take turns being called to the stage to perform. Things can get a little crazy, but with a show-stopping whistle, the emcees keep the event moving at a brisk pace. Performances only last a few seconds and a new waiter is called to the stage. Guests can also go home with some great auction items like event tickets as well as one of the fabulous centerpieces that are sold by raffle. The Champagne Luncheon is a very silly event, but also a very important one. Each year it raises thousands of much-needed dollars for Cornerstone Services. The not-for-profit agency helps people with disabilities to live and work in the community as independently as possible. And it's coming back to the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet in 2021! Buy your tickets early and receive a discount!  Tickets are $50 each and tables are $500.  The price will increase to $60 a ticket and $600 a table on Sept. 1, 2021. (Prices do not include additional processing fees.)  FAQs Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? Well, it is the Champagne Luncheon.  Neither the beverages nor the fancy food are really geared toward children.  For that reason, we are asking that guests be over 21 years of age.  However, if you have a special circumstance, please call us and we will see what we can do.    What should I bring to the event? Cash.  Bring lots of cash for tip cards, raffle tickets, and auctions.  Oh, and bring your checkbook--and credit cards!   Bring a sense of humor, too.  You will be doing a lot of laughing during these brisk two hours.   How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Call us at 815-741-6743 with any questions or changes to your reservation. Cornerstone Services helpe people with disabilities to live and work in the community!  We are based in Will and Kankakee Counties in Illinois and provide services to over 1,140 people every day through residential, employment, behavioral health, and community support. Cornerstone is a member agency of the United Way of Will County.