A guest checks out the silent auction items.  Is that a Thomas Jones autographed jersey?  Sure is!

Guests enjoy the special tastings prior to dinner.

Richard Ysmael (center), past IRA chairman and guest of honor, speaks to former NRA president and emcee Steve Anderson while Richard's wife looks on.

IRA past chairman Grant DePorter (Harry Caray's) his wife Joanna and IRA past chairman Rick Romen (The Signature Room).

Former IRA president Colleen McShane inquires about the delicious selections.

2006 National ProStart winners Frank Vasquez and Meg Sisk introduce their teacher and talk about the benefits of being in ProStart, the IRA's school-to-work program. 

2006 Ball Honoree Richard Ysmael, the founder of ProStart and former Motorola Foodservice executive thanks the crowd during his acceptance speech.

Richard Ysmael.

L-R: Former IRA president Colleen McShane, Ball co-chairman Cliff Whitman (Edward Don), former Alderman Burt Natarus (42nd Ward), Ball co-chairman John Meyer (BJ's Market & Bakery) and former NRA president Steve Anderson.

Gina Novak of American Express, winner of the Associate Member of the Year Award.

Larry Blankenbaker of Benjamin's of Galena, winner of the Restaurateur of the Year Award.

Mary Smith of The Plitt Company, winner of the IRA Educational Foundation's Mentor of the Year Award.

Emcee Steve Anderson congratulates the winners.

The Auctioneer gets the bidding started on the autographed Brian Urlacher jersey (to the right).

A couple enjoys the bidding excitement.

Dancing...

...dancing the night away...!