Chicago Consular Corps Ball begins Chicago’s fall social season

Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) was privileged to once again host the Chicago Consular Corps Ball on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the Four Seasons Chicago. The international guest list included members of the 84 foreign Consulates and Honorary Consulates in Chicago.

“Chicago has been a great and welcoming partner to the 84 countries that make up the Chicago Consular Corps,” said Patricia Maza-Pittsford, Dean of the Chicago Consular Corps and Consul General of El Salvador to Chicago. “Together, we succeed in maintaining the vital ties between the city and our respective countries. Each year at the Chicago Consular Corps Ball, we celebrate these important relationships between Chicago and the diplomatic community and honor a Chicagoan who has proven to be a leading example of the city’s values around the world. We were pleased to honor such a person, William A. Osborn, with the 2012 Global Citizen Award.”

This was the second year in a row that Russians made up a complete table at the event. Russian attendees included Aleksandra Efimova of Aleksandra Enterprises, Alexander Tseitline of NLMK Indiana, Alena Tsimis of I Imagine Studio, and Victoria Friedman of the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery.

“The ball was wonderful,” Ms. Friedman said. “It reminded us that Chicago is a major player on the international scene and that we have much to be proud of.”

Ms. Efimova agreed. “To me, celebrating the contributions of all cultures is important in building bridges among people worldwide, both to foster business development abroad and to promote a peaceful global community. I am proud to be part of events like this that help strengthen and maintain strong ties between countries all over the world.”

The Chicago Consular Corps chose William A. Osborn to receive the prestigious 2012 Global Citizen Award, which honors an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the international reputation, stature and outreach of Chicago. Last year’s honoree, Ann Lurie, joined Consul General Maza-Pittsford in presenting the award. Osborn has a long and impressive record of giving back to the Chicago community—making the city a better one and helping to enhance Chicago’s standing worldwide.

“In our capacity as Chicago’s ambassador to the world, Chicago Sister Cities International was once again proud to host the Chicago Consular Corps Ball. With 84 consulates represented in Chicago, one of the largest diplomatic communities in the United States, we work with the Chicago Consular Corps to develop international partnerships and share best practices between Chicago and our global partners whether they’re in government, business, schools or cultural organizations. Events such as this strengthen the connections between Chicago and our international partners and help to highlight Chicago as a global city,” said Leroy Allala, Executive Director of Chicago Sister Cities International.

Mayor and Mrs. Rahm Emanuel & Consul General Maza-Pittsford and Philip Pittsford served as Honorary Chairs for the Ball; President and Chief Executive Officer of Motorola Solutions Gregory Brown and Anna Brown & Chairman of Chicago Sister Cities International Sam and Dona Scott served as Co-Chairs; ABC7’s Ravi Baichwal served as Master of Ceremonies; and a speech was given by Deputy Mayor Steven Koch. Mayor Emanuel attended a special VIP reception with the Chicago Consular Corps.

The proceeds from the Chicago Consular Corps Ball support the work of Chicago Sister Cities International and fund Chicago Consular Corps scholarships to the University of Illinois at Chicago.