December 17, 2008 – The sale of city banners at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse last month raised about $5,500 for charity.

Several banners that hung from city street poles – promoting sports victories, festivals, special city occasions, and museum shows – were auctioned on November 22. The City of Chicago handled the auction and asked the River North restaurant to host the event.

Cindy Gatziolis of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events says it was “a learning experience.” Normally, the auctions are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Richard J. Daley Center. This was the first time they tried it on a Saturday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and at an outside location.

“We probably did it a little too early in the day,” she says. “We’re re-thinking for next year to maybe do it after work in the evening and keep the flow of the day before. I think we lost a little of our momentum.”

Gatziolis says the best performers were the Chicago Cubs and White Sox banners. “This year, with both of them winning the division, a banner was devised that shared the space. So, sometimes the Cubs were on top and sometimes the White Sox were on top. When the Cubs were on top, that went for $550 and the White Sox went for $500.”

“The funny thing is when you turn [the banners] around, it’s the opposite.”

Proceeds will benefit the mayor’s “Sharing It” program, the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and will purchase holiday gifts and provide entertainment for needy children in Chicago.

Located at Kinzie and Dearborn Streets, Harry Caray’s is on the same block as Marina City.