Anixter Center's Benefit for Ability celebrates advocacy and raises nearly $500,000
More than 400 gathered at the Harold Washington Library's Winter Garden on Friday, May 13, to celebrate Anixter Center's annual "Benefit for Ability."
The theme of this year's gala was "Advocating for All Abilities." The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests had a chance to learn more about the importance of advocacy and how they can help those with disabilities.
Rob Johnson, anchor at CBS 2 News Chicago, was the master of ceremonies and he welcomed guests and invited them to learn more about the impact their support has on the center, and conducted the live auction.
Event co-chairs Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd, and Pamela Cullerton each gave empowering speeches about the importance of advocacy in our community and introduced Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke. Justice Burke was this year's honoree, celebrating her lifelong advocacy for those with disabilities, acting as a compelling champion for those who often don't have a voice. After Justice Burke's inspiring speech, guests enjoyed dinner provided by Inspired Catering.
Pramaggiore, Cullerton, Justice Burke, and Jerri Kelly received awards for their loyalty and vision in supporting Anixter Center's mission to help those with disabilities.
Guests had an opportunity that evening to personally support the mission of Anixter Center, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, through a pledge drive. Thanks to the unprecedented generosity of the evening's sponsors Anixter Center's Benefit for Ability raised nearly $500,000 and additional funds continue to come in. For more information about Anixter Center and ways to support the organization, please visit www.anixter.org.
One of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, Anixter Center provides an array of services to help those with disabilities and related challenges live, learn, work and play in the community. Through 34 programs and services at 35 locations across the greater Chicago area, Anixter Center and its three divisions - CALOR, Chicago Hearing Society and Lekotek - touch the lives of nearly 8,000 individuals annually and advocates for the rights of children and adults with all types of disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. For more information, visit www.anixter.org.