ANDERSONVILLE — Earlier this week, the Andersonville Development Corporation announced the finalists for its annual Andersonville Honors Gala.
Nominations for the awards were submitted via an online survey from Feb. 22 to March 4. More than 1,500 community members voted for their favorite places to shop, eat and drink among a host of categories, according to the development corporation, which will soon be renamed the Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance.
The "fundraising party celebrating" Andersonville's businesses and community will be at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. on March 31. It will feature a special Andersonville-themed performance of "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" by the Neo-Futurists. The long-running show attempts to squeeze 30 performances into 60 minutes.
The gala will also feature food and drinks from many local establishments along with a silent auction. It will also serve as a celebration of Ellen Shepard's contributions as Executive Director of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and the Andersonville Development Corporation. She left the post last month after being with the chamber since 2000.
Tickets to the gala are $50 and available here. All proceeds go to benefit the work of Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance and its eco-Andersonville partners. The nonprofit supports the neighborhood through innovation, education and research, according to its website.
The finalists for the awards are listed below:
Welcome Addition Award: Candyality, Cantina 1910, Hot "G" Dog, Pastoral and Appellation Restaurant, Pork Shoppe and Replay Andersonville.
Good Neighbor Award: Alley Cat Comics, Cheetah Gym, Hamburger Mary's/ Mary's Attic/ Andersonville Brewing, Painted Light Photography + Framing Gallery, Replay Andersonville, Simon's Tavern, Swedish American Museum and Women and Children First Bookstore.
Arts Organization of the Year: Neo-Futurists, Rivendell Theater Ensemble, Swedish American Museum, The Ph Comedy Theater and Vignette Vignette.
Service Organization of the Year: Nail Palette, North Side Federal Savings and Loans, Ravenswood Chiropractic and Wellness Center, RE: Chiropractor and Wellness and Sir Spa.
Best Place to Eat: Anteprima, Appellation, Cantina 1910, Replay Andersonville and Vincent.
Best Place to Drink: Elixir, Farraguts, Hopleaf, Marty's Martini Bar and Replay Andersonville.
Best Place to Shop: Alley Cat Comics, Andersonville Galleria, Brown Elephant, Milk Handmade and Women and Children First Bookstore.
Hidden Gem Award: First Slice Pie Cafe, Painted Light Photography + Framing Gallery, RE: Chiropractor and Wellness, Rivendell Theater Ensemble, Taste of Lebanon and Woolly Mammoth.
Eco-Andersonville Award: GreenSky (winner)
An "audience favorite" award will also be voted on at the gala. It will include a $250 award from Bridgeview Bank.
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