The classic turkey club
with fresh avocado.
Comfort and elegance unite
at the Tortoise Club.
photography
by
galdones
photography
(portrait)
Chicago's September society calendar is chockablock with
charity events, but few are as anticipated as the Evergreen
Invitational. Founded by philanthropist M.K. Pritzker, the
biennial equestrian competition takes place in the lush
setting of the Pritzkers' Wisconsin farm and so far has raised
more than $4 million for Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Along with her friend and invitational colleague Eve Rogers,
Pritzker recently sat down over lunch at the Tortoise Club to
discuss horse shows, women's health, and how the restaurant
has been a welcome addition to downtown Chicago.
How long have you known each other?
Eve Rogers: Our kids went to the same preschool—that's my
memory of first meeting M.K.
What was the connection?
M.K. Pritzker: First of all, we both love jewelry. And working
on the Evergreen Invitational really brought us together.
ER: We have a lot of mutual friends, too.
How was the invitational born?
MKP: [It started] over 10 years ago. I have a horse farm that
my husband [ J.B.] bought for me on the 10th anniversary of
our first date. I love horses, and I spent a lot of time building
the farm into a kind of horse sanctuary. I was riding around
one day thinking, "I need to share this—open up the farm and
raise money for a good cause."
Eve, how did you get involved?
ER: We [at Graff] love supporting M.K. and her family, and of
course we're going to support Northwestern's efforts and women's
health programs. So Graff has been a sponsor from the start.
Why choose Northwestern Memorial as the beneficiary?
MKP: When I had my first child in the hospital I was thinking,
"I am so fortunate, and I have a lot of opportunity and people
that look after me—what if I was somebody who [didn't] have
that, or a husband right there at my side?" That was when I first
came up with focusing on women's health. I met with the people
at Northwestern [Memorial Hospital], and they've been a terrific
partner in developing the event and funding programs for
underserved women.
horsing
around:
WHat:
A lively lunch between
friends and colleagues.
WHEN:
Early afternoon on a recent
rainy Wednesday.
WHERE:
The country club
–
chic
setting of Tortoise Club,
350 N. State St.,
312-755-1700;
tortoiseclub.com
Equestrians with a Cause
As they prepAre for the bienniAl evergreen invitAtionAl chArity event And horse jumping contest,
founder M.K. PritzKer And grAff diAmonds director eve rogers enjoy A lively meAl At
river north hot spot the tortoise club.
by j.p. anderson
Working together on the
Evergreen Invitational helped
M.K. Pritzker and Eve Rogers
become closer friends.
CoNTiNuEd oN pAgE 116
114 michiganavemag.com
taste On the town
