The 12th annual Dudefest was an unforgettable evening, a testament to joy and community spirit. This fundraiser for Misericordia, hosted by the Creevy family, is inspired by their beloved sister Bree, who lives at the facility. We have nothing but love and support for Misercordia and all of the adults with developmental disabilities that live there.
At Eris Brewery, the festivities commenced around 4:30 pm. Guests were welcomed by Dudefest’s dedicated volunteer team at the welcome tent, one of many tents provided by Top Notch. Blue Star Security and Event Medical Solutions ensured a safe and secure environment throughout the event.
DJ Bosserk serenaded the crowd with soulful Motown melodies, on a stage build by our talented and hard working production team at Luxe Productions. Eris Brewery provided delectable bites and refreshing beverages, while OFFICIAL Dudefest photographer Kim Ryan captured the lively moments throughout the day. The silent auction, brimming with generous contributions from Dudefest’s supporters, invited attendees to partake in the charitable spirit.
The musical extravaganza began at 5 pm with Four Star Brass Band igniting the stage and later immersing themselves within the crowd. AMJ Special Events‘ Pop-A-Shot added an extra layer of enjoyment, especially for the younger attendees. Kleen Team remained onsite from beginning to end to ensure Dudefest was a clean and safe environment for all of the fun!
Our beloved emcee, Adam Voss in his spirited portrayal of Evel Knievel, elicited whoops of laughter before introducing the dynamic Bandwith Chicago Drumline and Dance Team. Their electrifying performance captivated the audience, setting the stage for the crowning of the Queen of Dudefest.
Platform 29, accompanied by the incredible Maggie Tobin, enchanted the crowd with an acoustic set before unveiling the silent auction winners. Their subsequent electric guitar-infused set elevated the atmosphere, followed by the magnetic presence of Foxy Ragazzi, who left the audience wanting more.
Amidst the summer evening’s warmth, Little Lulus arrived offering sweet relief in the form of Italian Ice. As the night drew to a close, the Creevy Family expressed gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support of Misericordia and the announcement that the group had raised more than $100,000 for the first time! A heartfelt ‘thank you’ segued into an epic performance by the Family Band, culminating in the crowd-pleasing anthem, “Hey Dude”!
Participating in this remarkable music festival for such a meaningful cause has been an honor. FGE extends sincere appreciation to Francie and the entire Creevy family for entrusting us to be part of this extraordinary celebration!
