Keshet to mark 40th anniversary with virtual gala fundraiser featuring 'Hamilton' star. Ravinia Ramblers
Keshet - Hebrew for "rainbow" - an internationally known nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs, will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year virtually at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, to celebrate the organization's 40th anniversary.
"We're honored to be celebrating Keshet's 40th anniversary," said Jennifer Phillips, Executive Director and CEO. "This anniversary reminds us that it is more important than ever for children and adults with developmental disabilities to be given every opportunity to live independent and meaningful lives. The annual event is a wonderful way to highlight the achievements of our participants, supporters, families, advocates, friends, staff and partners."
Keshet is one of the only organizations in the country at which participants can begin at age 3 and continue through adulthood. Keshet touches the lives of 600 people with disabilities and thousands of others through inclusive education, recreation, camp, adult employment and residential programs.
Jen DeSalvo, on-air reporter for NBC-5 Chicago, will emcee the virtual event. Special vocal guests include the Keshet Choir performing alongside the Chicago Children's Choir, Broadway's Miguel Cervantes ("Hamilton"), America's Got Talent's Jacob Valezquez and the Ravinia Ramblers.
Longtime Keshet supporter Sharon Frankel of Deerfield will be presented with the Lifetime Champion Award. One of Keshet's flagship programs, the Ariella Joy Frankel Keshet Day School is named in memory of her beautiful daughter. Sharon and her family have been instrumental in Keshet's incredible growth over the past 40 years.
"It is our honor to award Sharon's dedication, tenacity and commitment to this work," said Phillips.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at keshet.org/voices. VIP packages include main event access, shout-out in the event online chat, and exclusive access to post-event content. For an extra special evening, Elite ticket holders will receive a dessert delivery and goody bag along with access to the main event and exclusive post-event content.
• Keshet is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to creating a community of belonging where people of all abilities learn, play, work, live and grow together.