Another Evening with Donnie Wahlberg @ Arcada Theatre St. Charles IL

June 19 2017

Review by Jake Warkel

The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles once again is the host of Another Evening with Donnie Wahlberg benefiting Generation Rescue June 19 in St. Charles. Generation Rescue curated a movement dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment opportunities to autism families.

Radio host and actress Jenny McCarthy’s son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism. Following his diagnosis, Jenny went on a nationwide tour to speak on behalf of many autism organizations, which led her to become a voice for families worldwide. She ended up finding a home at Generation Rescue, now serving as the foundation’s board president. Once Jenny married NKOTB and actor Donnie Wahlberg, Donnie jumped right in to be part of Jenny and stepson Evan’s support of Generation Rescue and all the families that struggle with autism. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $700,000 for the nonprofit, which helps fund treatment for families affected by autism. This year Donnie’s goal is to beat last years amount of more than $700,000. Jenny McCarthy stated before the night on the red carpet which was actually blue that “I knew coming back, no matter where I lived in the Chicago area, Evan would have a great grounding for the rest of his life,” she said. “(St. Charles) is a very small city that I’m in compared to the Beverly Hills events that we used to do. The fact that we raise triple, quadruple the amount that we did in Beverly Hills goes to show you I chose right when I chose St. Charles.”

Jenny McCarthy was joined on the red carpet /blue carpet with last years big contributors Naughty by Nature Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio from East Orange, New Jersey consisting of Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee. Naughty by Nature have family members and friends with autism as well which is why they are huge supporters and love helping out every chance they can.

This intimate concert is filled to capacity here at the Arcada Theatre, fans from all around the world came here tonight to support autism and Generation Rescue and of course see Donnie Wahlberg perform with special guests.

The fans on this Monday night were treated by members of New Kids on the Block except Jonathan Knight who was unable to make the trip.

Joey McIntyre of NKOTB was the first guest to join Donnie on stage to perform some hits. Then Jordan Knight of

NKOTB was next to perform with Donnie as they ended up taking the stage to the crowd as they both planted themselves standing on chairs in the middle of the theatre singing their hearts out to these great fans and sponsors. Danny Wood of NKOTB joined the stage tonight with also a well welcomed response. The other special guests this evening were hip-hop trio Naughty by Nature and R&B group Boyz II Men.

Donnie Wahlberg held up a large cardboard check written out to Generation Rescue on behalf of himself as a donation of $100,000 dollars which is very generous. After the great performances tonight the party did not stop and moved on down the street over the Fox River to a VIP after party at Shakou in St. Charles.

Shakou is slammed with VIP’s enjoying drinks and sushi. The night seems to be a great success, members of Naughty by Nature and Boys II Men were there as well as Joey McIntyre and other friends and guests of Jenny and Donnie and most importantly fans that had a chance to get tickets for this after party. Donnie and Jenny were the auctioneers on the night wheeling and dealing raising money for Generation Rescue which I’m not sure of the totals raised from the auction and overall night yet but Donnie had mentioned at one point at nearing the end of the auction they were $20,000 away from surpassing last years

amount of more than $700,000. All in all the night was one big party for friends, family, fans, sponsors and Generation Rescue. Which was a huge success for all that helped, donated, and contributed to be part of this great night with St. Charles locals Jenny and Donnie Wahlberg.

 

 

#GoHomeWithDonnieAgain Twitter -@genrescue  Instagram – @generationrescue www.generationrescue.org

@donniewahlberg