After five fabulous years, Raue Center’s gala returns—
Get ready for a glamorous Valentine’s celebration filled with love, live music, and disco magic—
featuring food catered by 3 Chefs, an open bar, and live entertainment from Chicago’s own disco queen, Lynne Jordan!
📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
📍 Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, IL
Mark your calendars, shine your sequins, and get ready to boogie for a cause at the most groovy Valentine’s celebration in town!
💫 Get Ready to Bid & Win! Whether you’re joining us in person or online, you can bid on fabulous themed baskets and incredible experiences—all in support of the arts!
🏖️ Escape with a Florida Resort Getaway
✈️ Take flight on a Bi-Plane Aerobatic Adventure
🎁 Plus, so much more!
You don’t have to be present to win, so everyone can join the fun and help support Raue Center!
Online Auction is open now! Visit fundraiser.bid/stargazersball2026
Love to Love You, Raue – Evening Menu
Celebration: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM | Cocktail Hour
Guests are welcomed with passed hors d’oeuvres:
- Drunken Meatballs – beef, pork, and bacon with jalapeño cornbread in a rich whiskey sauce
- Caprese Canapé – skewered Roma tomato, Buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic reduction (GF, V)
- Snowflake Shrimp – shrimp in toasted coconut with a spicy orange dipping sauce
7:00 PM | Small Plates Service Opens
Savor a selection of chef-curated small plates and carving station offerings:
- Chef-Carved Sirloin – fresh herb-crusted sirloin of beef with horseradish crème and soft homemade buns
- Micro BLT Skewers – candied slab bacon, leaf lettuce, tomato, and bourbon mayo
- Endive Spears – with goat cheese, figs, pecans and wild cherry compote
- Ahi Tuna Skewers – ahi tuna and fresh pineapple drizzled with cilantro wasabi aioli on knotted bamboo skewers
- Stuffed Potatoes – mini red potato skins filled with roasted artichokes, sautéed spinach, shallots, and smoked gouda, topped with shaved Asiago
- Smoked BBQ Chicken Sliders – in-house smoked chicken with jalapeño jam on soft buns
- Lollipop Lamb Chops – baby lamb chops in a panko-parmesan crust with mustard crème
Dessert Bar
A decadent display of mini desserts, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, fruit tarts, éclairs, cream puffs, cannolis, cheesecake bites, brownie bites, lemon bars, rum balls, and more.
Menu items are subject to change.
