CE Chicago: Farewell Event

Last night was CE Chicago's farewell event was a spectacular show of colors. The theme of the party was the color party in which interns and staff alike dressed in one solid color of their choice, the result being some amazing outfits and a whole lot of yellow. (But yellow is a great color so who could blame them?).

The party started when Katie's group walked in, and we made our way to O'Brien's Restaurant for a fantastic dinner. Afterward we went to O'Brien's roof! No not the restaurants, but our very own Lauren O'Brien's roof, which was decked out with colorful flowing banners, Christmas lights and sparklers. The mood being set, the interns dug into some brightly decorated strawberries and muffins that matched their outfits!



All the while bubbles drifted by the interns leading them to the game of bags being dominated by Alec and Mimi and floating by the magician. I'm still not sure how Suellen ended up with a different card in her hand, but needless to say the magician was magical. Some interns even had caricatures sketched of them with the skyline in the background and still others just relaxed, talked, played crainium and twister.


After enjoying a perfect night out on the roof the group made it's way back to the dorms. Where they were able to get into their comfiest sweatpants and come down to the multimedia room where the interns were presented with their superlatives awards by their mentors. Then in an unexpected, but highly appreciated twist, the interns presented the mentors with poems, songs, and artwork they created themselves as a thank you. The scene was moving, and I can think of no mentor that wasn't deeply touched by the thought each of their groups put into their goodbyes!
Finally the interns watched a slideshow (which they all received to take home) with the perfect amount of corniness and heart touching moments of aww's and laughter. The highlight of course being the Alec-David portion! With all said and done the interns spent their time saying goodbyes and hanging out. And then this morning they all gathered in the lobby to wish each departing group goodbye with tears in eyes and hugs all around as they left for the airport.

This was the perfect way to end the month and say goodbye, and now regrettably our adventure comes to an end. We are so proud of all of our interns and the amazing jobs they have done! They have made this an incredible and fun experience and we wish them the best of luck in the future and know they are now a little more prepared for what life can throw at them! Good luck Interns and thanks for a great Summer 2010!