The Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society will host its fundraiser at the downtown Des Plaines Theater. An evening of radio broadcast, films and live entertainment with a Frank Sinatra theme will be offered as the Society honors Joe Gentile for his support of the cause of saving and restoring the historic Theater. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for a live radio broadcast on radio station WJJG AM 1530. Community leaders, historic preservationists and randomly chosen members of the audience will be interviewed by Gentile and his partner Dane Neal, during the social hour of the evening. David Drazin, resident pianist of the Gene Siskel Film Center, will provide accompaniment. The Society will also present clips from Frank Sinatra's film and musical career.

Chicago's Rat Pack will headline the event. The show reproduces a special evening in 1962 at the Villa Venice in Chicago, when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. gave a performance that represented the essence of their unique friendship.

The Des Plaines Theater, celebrating its 80th birthday year was saved from the wrecking ball by the not-for-profit Preservation Society, and currently is enjoying a renaissance as a movie house and concert space. In the last several months, the Society has presented over a dozen live concerts and nearly 20 classic and contemporary films. The Society nominated the building for the National Register of Historic Places, and is the first building in Des Plaines to have been accepted as eligible for this honor.

Tax deductible donations, $65 or $50 for members, can be made at the door, or can be reserved in advance by calling 847-803-1875. All proceeds will go toward the restoration and operation of the theater, and are essential to underwrite programming for children, senior citizens and families while keeping ticket prices affordable.