Wilmette Resident on Board for Cure Violence, whose Gala Raises Over $200,000

"Let's Make The Cure Contagious," a first-time fundraiser for Cure Violence held at the Arts Club, drew some big time movers and shakers who found the concept of treating violence as a disease to be totally compelling. Honoree and internationally-respected music icon Ramsey Lewis - who was recognized for his 50 year career and his commitment to community -- gave a very touching account of how his mother kept him off the streets by insisting he practice his music, and heralded the work being done by Cure Violence in Chicago's at-risk communities. More than $200,000 was raised.

Board member and Winnetka resident Caryn Adelman comments, "It was great to see people so interested in effecting change ... many who previously thought of violence in our communities as being intractable with no solution to an impossible problem, now see hope because of the message that violence is a preventable epidemic, AND because of the proof that it's not just an idea - but a concept (developed by Chicago's Dr. Gary Slutkin) that is working in 23 cities and 13 countries."

The response was so great that there will be a subsequent conversation on Cure Violence at the Standard Club on December 7th. You could have heard a pin drop during the eloquent account given by long-time Cure Violence worker Jalon Arthur, who had lived a violent life for which he'd served time in jail, and who talked about his turn around and his commitment to help cure violence. Wintrust Bank upped its commitment and offered its facility for future Cure Violence events.