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The Indiana University all-male, a capella group, Another Round, performs a the Pillars fundraiser | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
Event: Party for Pillars: 30 Days, 20 Parties, 1 Cause
Benefiting: Pillars
Attending: 700
Raised: $50,000
Article Extras
Updated: July 17, 2012 11:58AM
‘We all need somebody to lean on.”
That melodic refrain echoed through the Reber Center at Lyons Township High School on June 29 as the collegiate men’s a cappella group, Another Round, performed for a large crowd as part of the Party for Pillars Finale Night. Those lyrics from the popular song “Lean on Me” were particularly appropriate for the evening, as local residents came out to support the fundraiser benefiting Pillars, a nonprofit mental health and social services agency serving 36 communities in the area.
Another Round, the Indiana University ensemble formerly called Straight No Chaser, returned this year for another appearance for Pillars, playing standbys like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as well as a variety of newer songs. In addition to the group’s smooth harmony and range of voices, the performance was marked by a big dose of humor.
Audience member Laurie Hart of Brookfield said her mouth actually hurt from smiling so much during the show. “They were so talented and fun, too. There was a lot of levity in the show,” she said.
One of the a cappella group’s members said that the evening was as fun for the singers as it was for the audience. “The crowd was great, and this place is perfect for performing,” noted IU junior Jacob Koressel, adding that a few of his fellow performers hail from the western suburbs.
After a standing ovation and a brief meet and greet with audience members, the singers later headed over to Tom and Anne Kelly’s home in Western Springs to perform an encore as part of the Mad Men Martini Party, an event that officially concluded the monthlong Party for Pillars fundraising blitz. The crooners’ skinny ties and dark suits were well suited for the 1960s theme of the party, based on the popular television show “Mad Men.”
Guests at the martini party, several of whom dressed up in retro attire, enjoyed the sounds of Another Round on the Kellys’ back patio before mingling and savoring appetizers and cocktails, including, of course, martinis.
“We were happy to do it,” said Anne Kelly of opening her family’s home for the party. “Pillars does so much for so many people — I didn’t even realize how much they do. So it was an easy decision for us.”
In all, nearly 700 people came out to show their support at the 20 events hosted throughout June. Party for Pillars cleared more than $50,000 for the group.
For more information about Pillars, visit
pillarscommunity.org or call (708) 995-3512.
