As we move in to 2012, the Chicago Foundation Room team would like to take a moment to first of all thank all of you for our support of House of Blues and the International House of Blues Foundation in 2011. We couldn't do it without you! We also wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of some of the great benefits that will help you get the most out of your membership during the coming year.

Dining Discounts
Every member receives a discount on food in Foundation Room – don't forget to bring your membership card, you need to present it to receive your discount!! Also, if you're in the neighborhood for lunch, every member receives a 20% discount in the Crossroads at House of Blues restaurant, so just give us a call to make a reservation!

Gold Members
Don't forget that you have access to over 200 private clubs nationwide with your Gold membership! Visit www.clubline.com to see a listing of all of these clubs.

Parking
Did you know that all Foundation Room members receive discounted parking? Just present your parking ticket from the valet to the bartender and pay only $10!

Have other questions about your membership? Just call us at (312) 923-7050 for more info!

Hello to all of my Foundation Room members,

After seven years at House of Blues, I have made the difficult decision to move on to explore a new career opportunity. Words cannot express how much my time at HOB, and particularly the Foundation Room, has meant to me. I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your support of the Foundation Room and the International House of Blues Foundation, and for all of the great times I've shared with all of you in the Foundation Room.

My journey here at House of Blues began in the box office in 2004, and I first met many of you when I joined the Foundation Room team as the Concierge in 2006, and I then moved on to Renewal Manager in 2008. I will take with me so many great memories of great concerts, parties (especially Halloween – my favorite!) and events with you.

The hardest part about leaving is how much I am going to miss all of you! This was not an easy decision to make, and House of Blues and the Foundation Room will always be a part of me.

Always your blues sister,

Carol Dreyer

Winter White Party
Friday, January 27th
7:00pm

Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Dust off your favorite white threads and warm up at our Winter White Party! Chef Matt will be serving up comfort food to go with our hosted bar from 8:00pm - 10:00pm. Live music and a DJ will help you rock the night away. Stay tuned for more info!

Complimentary for Gold members +5 guests, Silver and Bronze members +3 guests. Additional guests are welcome with RSVP at $20/person

Point Beer Dinner
Thursday, February 2nd
6:30pm

Join us for our Point Beer Dinner – a 4 course dinner prepared by Chef Matt with beer pairings provided by Point Beer. Point's brewmaster, John Zappa, will be on hand to walk you through the beer tasting.

Stick around afterwards for live music in the lounge by Jason Danielian and the Amsterdam Connection playing jazz, r&b, funk and blues.

Stay tuned for more details TBD.

Valentine's Day Dinner
Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th
6:00pm - 10:00pm

Celebrate with your sweetie with a very special Valentine's Day dinner prepared by Chef Matt in the romantic ambiance of the Foundation Dining Room. Stay tuned for menu details TBD.

Villains and Vixens Halloween Party
On October 28th, members got sneaky and sexy at the Villains and Vixens Halloween Party.

Lou Tzavaras and friend

Larry Brody and friends

Fashion in Foundation
On December 6th, members got started on that holiday shopping while sipping cocktails at our Fashion in Foundation event.

Stephen Charles-Kendall tries on hats by Goorin Bros Hatmakers

Members peruse jewelry from Premier Designs

Parmesan Grits
Foundation Room Executive Chef Matthew Castro recommends this quick and easy recipe as a great winter-time accompaniment to braised meats.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 oz. Butter (cubed)
• 1/2 cup stone-ground-grits or polenta

Procedure

1. In a sauce pot, bring the chicken stock and half & half to a boil
2. Slowly add the grits or polenta stirring constantly
3. Allow to cook for 10 minutes over low flame until fully cooked
4. Slowly incorporate cheese and butter stirring constantly
5. Season with salt and pepper (as desired)

Makes about 3 cups total

The Society Advantage Dining Reward
Gold Members will receive one complimentary entree per month with the purchase of an entrée at The Metropolitan Club, The Mid-America Club and the DuPage Club. Members must make arrangements with the ClubLine prior to redeem this offer – (800) 433-5079 or clubline@clubcorp.com

Offer valid with the purchase of one entree of equal or lesser value, may not be combined with other offers. Tax, alcohol and gratuity are not included. Reservations must be made in advance by ClubLine to redeem this offer. Offer not valid for special events or promotions.

New Additions – Five New Clubs with Complimentary Golf
Enjoy your golf access at the newest additions to our roster:

• River Crossing Club – San Antonio, TX
• San Angelo Country Club – San Angelo, TX
• Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club – Santa Rosa Beach, FL (coming in January)
• Seabrook Island Club – Charleston, SC (coming in February)
• Willowbend Golf Club – Wichita, KS

Foundation Room Member donations are helping the IHOBF provide support for Chicago area youth arts programs. Through a newly introduced Action for the Arts Grants & Musical Instruments Program, IHOBF will be provid ing grants, musical instruments and equipment early this month to Chicago area schools including Rufus M. Hitch Elementary School, Rachel Carson Elementary School, Brennemann Elementary School, and Lane Technical High School. Students participating in the music programs at these schools will be invited to perform in an Action for the Arts student recital at the House of Blues in April. Chicago Public Schools and non-profit organizations will have an opportunity to apply this spring for the next round of Action for the Arts grants and musical instruments which will be awarded in the fall. The grants/instruments program gives preference to schools or organizations serving a high percentage of students from low income families.

Action for the Arts is an IHOBF initiative that provides support for youth arts programs and creates opportunities for youth to perform/exhibit their artistic works at House of Blues venues and other community settings. To learn more visit www.ihobf.org or www.actionforthearts.org.

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