Local Legends featuring Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra

Description

WHAT: Local Legends: Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra
WHEN: 4 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014
WHERE:  Lake Forest High School Auditorium, 1285 N. McKinley Rd., Lake Forest                   
COST: $75
 
Tables are turned on Bill Kurtis as he is interviewed by his partner Donna La Pietra
 
The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society’s fifth annual Local Legends event honors Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra.  Bill and Donna will take us behind the scenes of Kurtis Productions, television news broadcasting and their conservation efforts.
 
The event takes place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 at Lake Forest High School. Tickets are $75 and are available at www.lflbhistory.org.  Don’t miss this opportunity to get the scoop on their fascinating story!
 
About Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra:
 
Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra have loved working together from the day they first met in the Channel 2 Newsroom nearly 35 years ago. Bill was the anchorman and Donna, the executive news producer.  Their collaboration created one of the most exciting and honored newscasts in the history of local television news. 
Together in Chicago, they crafted a third place TV station into the number one evening news program, sending Bill all over the world, making in depth reporting their hallmark.  Documentaries became their passion, and they formed their own company, Kurtis Productions, with the mission of turning out educational and informational programs for PBS and eventually A&E, CNBC, National Geographic, and the Discovery Channel.  Their combined interest in conservation and land stewardship led them not only to create documentaries on the subject, but to acquire 65 acres in Mettawa, just west of Lake Forest for prairie and woodland restoration and to create formal gardens.  Over a decade ago, they traded in their subscription to Home & Garden for the Cattleman Magazine when they turned overgrazed pasture land in the Flint Hills of Kansas into the Red Buffalo Ranch. This is the home of Tallgrass Beef.
Local Legends is a celebration of our community’s superstars.  In previous years, our Local Legends have shared little known stories and behind the scenes anecdotes that have not been heard before.  After the interview, there will be a light reception for guests and the honorees.
 
Tickets to the event cost $75, and proceeds benefit the Historical Society’s programs, exhibits and collections. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the Historical Society at 847.234.5253 or visit www.lflbhistory.org.