The Palmer House Celebrates 75th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz" with Special Decorated Cakes with After School Matters

Hosted by “Hungry Hound” Steve Dolinsky, Local Media Personalities,
Celebrities and Politicians Judge Cakes Decorated with a “Wizard of Oz”
theme by After School Matters’ Teens at the Palmer House, the location where the public first saw the debut of the beloved novel in 1900

CHICAGO – Palmer House Executive Chef Stephen Henry and the Palmer House are pleased to announce a special event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the  film release of “The Wizard of Oz” with After School Matters, Friday, July 25 at 10 a.m. in the historic Palmer House lobby, 17 E. Monroe Street. The event includes judging of cakes decorated in a “Wizard of Oz” theme and submitted by After School Matters’ Teens, samples of the confectionaries for all in attendance as well as characters from the iconic story mingling with the attendees. The private event begins at 10 a.m. with announcement of the winners at 11:15 a.m. All winners enjoy a dinner at Lockwood restaurant, also located in the lobby level, as the Palmer House’s guests.

While the Friday, July 25 event is private, camera crews and all media are welcome as all cake entries will be on display to the public in the Palmer House lobby following the event through Sunday, July 27 for public viewing. 

The Palmer House has a very close relationship with Frank L. Baum and his
story of the girl from Kansas and her incredible trip over the rainbow. Baum
stayed at the Palmer House and the book, in its first edition, was debuted
during a book fair in July 1900 and Judy Garland performed in the Empire
Room during a publicity tour for the movie in 1938. “The Palmer House is
very proud of its past and continues to always look to the future. Our ties
to “The Wizard of Oz” and this 75th anniversary are a perfect opportunity to
unite past with the future. The Palmer House, which is known for its
culinary excellence, is helping mentor the chefs and creative minds of the
future and enabling them to display their hard work for all to see,” said
Executive Chef Henry.

Special guests and judges scheduled to appear include Master Chef Takashi
Yagahashi of Takashi, Chef Martial Noguier of Bistronomic and L&M, Chef
Jennifer Melendrez of Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill, Chef Meg Galus of NoMi,
Catherine Franczyk, formerly of Wilton Cake Decorating, Franco Pacini of
American Culinary Foundation and French Pastry School and Rene Bohus of the French Pastry School, as well as Bill Zwecker And Denise O’Neal of Chicago Sun-Times, Janet Davies of WLS Chicago, Leann Trotter of WMAQ Chicago, Candace Jordan of Chicago Tribune and CandidCadace.com, Eloise Valadez of Northwest Indiana Times and Sandy Doghmi of Red Carpet Concierge. State Representative Barbara Curry, State Representative Marcus Davis, Alderman John Pope, Alderman Bob Fioretti, City of Chicago Family Services Commissioner David Wells and City of Chicago Clerk Susana A. Mendoza are also scheduled to attend the Palmer House’s event.*

*Personalities scheduled to appear as of this release are listed. Actual
attendance is subject to change.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the
lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to
extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 94 years, Hilton
Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing
exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of ten world-class
global brands is comprised of more than 4,000 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with nearly 672,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts,
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton,
Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

About Palmer House
The legendary AAA four-diamond rated hotel has been hosting visitors to the
Chicago Loop for more than 140 years. Today, the Palmer House Hilton
continues to thrive in the heart of the theatre and financial district, just
steps from the Art Institute, Millennium Park and State Street shopping. A
short walk away is Grant Park where summer festivals take place. Family
attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier are just a
quick cab ride away. The hotel features 130,000 sq. ft. of function space
with more than 77 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms and two exhibition halls.
Lockwood Restaurant and Bar, located just off the lobby, is open throughout
the day serving contemporary American cuisine. Small plates and classic
cocktails are served in Potter’s Lounge. Balance Spa features 14 treatment
rooms including hydrotherapy services for the ultimate pampering. The
fitness center offers over 10,000 sq. ft. of cardio and free weight
equipment, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas.

About After School Matters

After School Matters is a non-profit organization that offers Chicago high
school teens innovative out-of-school activities through science, sports,
tech, words and the nationally recognized Gallery programs.

These programs are provided through a network of public and private
partnerships that include Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District,
the Chicago Public Library and community organizations throughout the city.
After School Matters have been recognized nationally for our innovative
approach to coordinating city resources and delivering unique and diverse
programs. The hands-on, project-based programs expose teens to rewarding
careers and help them develop marketable job skills.

Palmer House Executive Chef Stephen Henry and the Palmer House are pleased
to announce a special event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the film
release of “The Wizard of Oz” with After School Matters, Friday, July 25 at
10 a.m. in the historic Palmer House lobby, 17 E. Monroe Street. The event
includes judging of cakes decorated in a “Wizard of Oz” theme and submitted
by After School Matters’ Teens, samples of the confectionaries for all in
attendance as well as characters from the iconic story mingling with the
attendees. The private event begins at 10 a.m. with announcement of the
winners at 11:15 a.m. All winners enjoy a dinner at Lockwood restaurant,
also located in the lobby level, as the Palmer House’s guests.

While the Friday, July 25 event is private, camera crews and all media are welcome as all cake entries will be on
display to the public in the Palmer House lobby following the event through Sunday, July
27 for public viewing. 

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