Living & Giving | Aug. 2023
LYRIC WINE AUCTION
By Dustin O’Regan
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACLYN SIMPSON, DARYL WILKERSON, DIANE M. SMUTNY
Nancy S. Searle, Nancy S. Santi, Erica L. Sandner
Many of Chicago’s most generous philanthropists attended Wine Auction 2023, which is presented by the Women’s Board of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Dedicated to supporting the art form of grand opera and Lyric’s learning and creative engagement programs, the auction returned to Lyric’s Ken Pigott Stage after a five-year hiatus and was tremendously enjoyed by all. Led by co-chairs Nancy S. Searle and Erica L. Sandner and vice-chairs Suzanne W. Mulshine and Eileen Austin Murphy, the auction attracted enthusiastic participation from all corners of the stage. The evening opened with remarks from the event’s honored guest, distinguished winemaker Laurent Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin. The renowned Burgundy winery, which spans four generations and 142 years, donated numerous lots for the occasion. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine wines from the winery with a dinner presented by J&L Catering. lyricopera.org
