Friends of the Forest Preserves’ annual gala featured dinner, silent and live auctions, a pledge appeal and a surprise appearance from documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who accepted an award from the group in a videotaped message.  Mr. Burns had recently competed The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. The event at Café Brauer drew many environmentalists and VIPs, including Congressman Mike Quigley and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.