LIMELIGHT is privileged to work with some of the most gifted professionals in the culinary industry today. Nurturing and showcasing the talents and energies of this dedicated and creative staff, the LIMELIGHT family works in complete harmony to make all elements of your event seem effortless. RITA GUTEKANST Principal A home-grown talent, Chicagoan Rita Gutekanst has more than twenty years experience working in catering, earning a reputation as a leader and innovator in the industry. Gutekanst’s illustrious career has included appointments as Manager, Owner, and Baker/Manager/Caterer at numerous highly-regarded Chicago restaurants such as: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Jerome's, and The Sausalito. In 1990, Gutekanst and her business partner Marguerite Lytle established their own business, Rita’s Catering --- LIMELIGHT. Gutekanst assisted in the production of the Academy Awards Governors Ball in Los Angeles, California in 2000, 2001, and 2004 and has received numerous awards of recognition for her contributions to the world of catering. Gutekanst is married to composer and sound designer, David Huizenga. Together they have a 13 year-old daughter Natalie. Gutekanst is active in several Chicago area organizations including: • Les Dames d’Escoffier – Past President • Minority and Women Business Enterprises • Women in Catering • Women Chefs and Restauranteurs • Chicago’s Green City Market – Current Board Member MARGUERITE LYTLE Principal Native New Yorker, Marguerite Lytle, is a graduate of the food and hospitality school at the Rochester Institute of Technology. With a broad range of experience working in fine dining and resort communities, Lytle moved to Chicago in 1986 to accept a distinguished post with Marriot Corporation. Over a period of several years, Lytle and Gutekanst had the opportunity to collaborate on a multitude of catering projects prior to forming their successful partnership. Lytle and her 13 year old daughter live in Chicago. Lytle serves as President of the Board of The Enterprising Kitchen and is active in Women in Catering and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).