The second annual Over The Rainbow fundraiser, held in November at Sidetrack, raised $13,261 for Gilda's Club Chicago.
"I was very pleased with the event," said event organizer Jimmy Kays. "My only goal was to raise more money than last year, which we accomplished."
The two Over The Rainbow events have raised more than $20,000 in the fight against cancer.
About 200 attended the Wednesday night event, and Kays is shooting for 400 in 2013.
"The money raised through Over the Rainbow will support the free programs Gilda's Club Chicago offers to men, women, children and their family and friends whose lives have been impacted by any kind of cancer," Kays said. "Gilda's Club mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.
"I never thought the 2011 event could be topped, but the energy in the room this year was magical. I think last year I was so nervous because it was the first time I had ever thrown an event and I so wanted it to be a success. This year I went in to it knowing that it was going to be great, so I kind of got to relax and enjoy it."
The fundraiser featured seven local performers.
"It means so much to me that they all took time out of their busy schedules to make this night happen," Kays said. "I am truly blessed to know each of them and I give all of the credit to them for the success of the evening."
Kays launched his Over The Rainbow fundraiser in honor of a friend, Gio Cosentino, who died of cancer in 2011 at age 26.
"My favorite moment [from the 2012 event] had to have been when Cyon Flare pulled Gio's grandpa up on the stage during his number and had him wearing his feather headdress and dancing around for money," Kays said. "But all of the performances were favorites of mine because I am big fans of each of them.
"Last year was very emotional for me because Gio's death was still very new. I don't want Over The Rainbow to be a sad event. To me, Gio lives on through Over The Rainbow helping other people, but I want Over The Rainbow to mean something special to each person who comes to it. Not everyone knew Gio, but we have all somehow been affected by cancer and I want to share Over The Rainbow with the world so that we can help give back to those that need it in memory of the ones we have lost."
Photos from the event can be seen online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com .
