What is the Illinois State Society Inaugural Gala?
Every four years, the Illinois State Society (ISS) hosts its Inaugural Gala in honor of the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect. The 2009 celebration was held on January 19 at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel.

How many Galas has the ISS hosted?
The Society has been hosting inaugural receptions since the 1800s. The first black tie reception was held for the second Reagan Inauguration in 1985. In 1989, we began hosting inaugural balls.

Who attended the ISS Gala?
Tickets went on sale to ISS members beginning in May 2008 and to the general public in September 2008. In addition to ISS members and friends, corporate sponsors, active military, policymakers, and other notable Illinoisans were in attendance. We invited all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, statewide office holders, and the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect.

What were the ticket options?
ISS offered two ticket packages for its inaugural event. The combination package included a cocktail reception, dinner, and ball. The reception began at 5:30 p.m. in the Grand Ball foyer featuring an “Illinois Heroes” theme and was followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. All reception and dinner attendees continued to celebrate the evening throughout all the venues offered at the Gala ball. The second package included only the Gala Ball, which ran from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. During the ball, guests enjoyed all the banquet facilities throughout three levels of the Renaissance Hotel (four ballrooms, three grand foyers, and all the private meeting rooms) that showcased Illinois’ magnificent cities, towns, riverfronts, and historical sites.

What did tickets cost?
Tickets for the combination package of the Gala reception, dinner, and ball cost $500. Tickets for only the Gala Ball cost $300. Because ISS is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, tickets were not tax-deductible. All tickets were sold by November 29, 2008.