On Thursday, March 10, SPiN, the ping pong social club co-founded by Susan Sarandon, made its official debut in the Windy City, with a private VIP celebration, in partnership with Esquire and White Girl Rosé. Celebrity guests stepped out for a night on the town, to check out the new venue and toast to their mission of supporting underprivileged youth.
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
CELEBRITY SUPPORT:
Spotted at the star-studded event were familiar faces, including CHICAGO PD cast Sophia Bush, Jesse Lee Soffer, Brian Geraghty, and Marina Squerciati. Currently in Chicago filming season three of the hit NBC drama created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, the cast enjoyed a fun night out together after a day on-set. Also spotted at the event was famed personality Josh ‘The Fat Jewish’ Ostrovsky, who gave a special ping pong performance in Center Court.
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Susan Sarandon was scheduled to host the event, but unfortunately had an injury while hiking in Columbia that prevented her from attending, for which she was very disappointed. She recorded a video message for guests, stating her excitement for the opening of the Chicago ping pong club, and her regrets for not being there to share the moment last-minute. SPiN CEO Pieter Vanermen also gave remarks, and expressed gratitude surrounding support from the local community and SPiN’s mission to give back.
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Showbiz Shelly
Photo Credit: Showbiz Shelly
Ryan Chiaverini, host of WINDY CITY LIVE came out to support – hangin out with friends Tyler Furlan and Chicago Producer, Johnny Arreola.
SURPRISE PERFORMANCE & ATMOSPHERE:
Ping pong enthusiasts celebrated and enjoyed two special shows, that featured Josh ‘The Fat Jewish’ Ostrovsky who played a thrilling game against ping pong champion Soo Yeon Lee, and the ‘Dirty Dozen’ in which notable SPiN pros including ping pong showman, Wally Green, and Kazuyuki Yokoyama, the best defensive player in America, went head-to-head for a crowd-pleasing match. The fun-filled evening also highlighted an electric performance by widely-known singer and beatbox sensation KRFNX (Terry Im), and music was spun by the uber-talented, DJ Luxxury.
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
Guests sipped on handcrafted cocktail creations, expertly engendered by acclaimed Mixologist Benjamin Newby, in addition to White Girl Rosé. Additionally, Chef Ariel Bagadiong dazzled guests with simple, yet elevated bites utilizing sustainable ingredients – providing the perfect fuel to pong the night away!
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
CHARITABLE MISSION:
The evening recognized SPiN’s mission to support underprivileged youth. In partnership with STIGA, SPiN will generously donate tables to two Chicago Public Schools, Jacob Beidler Elementary in East Garfield Park and Dulles School of Excellence in Englewood, as well as non-profit organization, Breakthrough Urban Ministries in East Garfield Park – the kick-start to a larger initiative to make ping pong a scholastic sport among Chicago’s widespread educational system. #SPiNUnitesChi #WeAreSPiN
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen
