For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                                                                  October 9, 2009

Media Contact:

Cindy Gatziolis
(312)744-0573
cgatziolis@cityofchicago.org

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a unique piece of Chicago history and contribute to a good cause.

The annual “Sharing It” banner auction, which benefits the needy in Chicago, will be held on Wednesday, November 18 - ONE DAY ONLY - in the East Lobby of the Daley Center from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Among the many highlights of available pieces are mini banners from the White Sox World Series run that are signed by Mr. Perfect, pitcher Mark Buehrle. On July 23, Buehrle pitched a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The live auction sells street pole banners produced by the city and other organizations that commemorate events, festivals, exhibits and special occasions, including theatrical productions and historical moments.

Other highlights from this year’s auction are Blackhawks playoff banners signed by Hall of Famers Stan Mikita and Denis Savard, Jersey Boys and Dirty Dancing banners courtesy of Broadway in Chicago and from the Museum of Science & Industry, banners highlighting the Harry Potter exhibit.

Gary Metzner, Sr. VP. (Fine Arts) of Sotheby’s Midwest will once again donate his time to call the bids for the Sharing It Banner Auction. Cash and credit cards are accepted; checks are accepted with proper identification. Proceeds from sales benefit Mayor Daley’s “Sharing It” Program. Donations are made to the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation and the Greater Chicago Food Depository as well as to purchase holiday gifts for needy Chicago children.

For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Special Events at 312-744-3315, or visit www.explorechicago.org/specialevents.