A crowd of over 150 Links fans in early 1960s fashions descended on Park Center at the Glen to enjoy Links’ benefit, Mad Men and Women, on Saturday, April 30. The themed evening kicked off with appetizers - which included macaroni & cheese cups and pigs in a blanket - and silent auction bidding, followed by a traditional 60s dinner of meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Improv comedy from Second City veterans Susan Messing and Amanda Blake Davis was the highlight of the event. The two performed sketches on everything from gynecological exams to overachieving students to speed dating. Messing appears at the Annoyance Theatre every Thursday night and is often joined by Davis in her critically acclaimed show, Messing With A Friend.

The evening was sponsored by Howard Orloff Imports and Catered by Design, and Messing and Davis both donated their time and talent to benefit Links.

Donna Elrod and Peggy Orloff of Highland Park co-chaired the benefit, which raised over $30,000 for Links. Elrod commented, “It was just a fantastic, fun event. People really got into the theme and were excited to be there to support such an important cause.”

Links empowers young people to make informed, responsible decisions about their health, well-being, and sexuality. The Northfield-based organization provides health education in the schools and community, support services for sexual minority youth, reproductive health care, and counseling. For more information, contact Links at 847.441.6191 ext 1 or www.linksyouth.org.