Anixter Center's Benefit for Ability Hits a Home Run

A sold-out crowd of more than 350 gathered at Wrigley Field's 1914 Club on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, to celebrate Anixter Center's 100th anniversary at its annual Benefit for Ability, "Celebrating a Century of Service." The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour at the Catalina Club where guests had a chance to take pictures with the Cub's 2016 World Series Trophy. Gala attendees then proceeded to the 1914 Club for a wonderful dinner and conversations. Once everyone had enjoyed the delicious meal, guests were greeted by Rob Johnson, the evening's Master of Ceremonies, who addressed the crowd from first base at Wrigley Field.

Event Chairman, President, and CEO of Mesirow Financial Dominick Mondi shared a touching and very personal story about his family's relationship with Anixter Center. His gratitude for the support Anixter Center has provided over the years, as well as the internship and job training program in which Mesirow has participated with Anixter Center clients, made Mondi an ideal Chairman for the Center's 100th Anniversary Gala. Mondi, Anixter Center President, and CEO Rebecca Clark and Board Chair Mary McDonnell welcomed the Anixter Family to the stage on Wrigley Field to receive honors for the vision and commitment the family has had to serving those with disabilities. Through the generosity of the Anixter Family, The Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center has been able to serve thousands of individuals with disabilities to help them grow and thrive within the community.

Later in the evening, guests had an opportunity to support the mission of Anixter, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, through a live auction and pledge drive. Thanks to the unprecedented generosity of the evening's sponsors, including the Lester and Edward Anixter Family Foundation, Mesirow Financial, E.T. Gastevich Enterprises, LLC; Jones Day, KPMG, Northwestern Medicine, CIBC, Canning Foundation, William Blair & Company, BMO Financial Group, Nuveen, Hyatt Hotels, many corporate and individual donors, as well as the support of those in attendance, Anixter Center's Benefit for Ability raised more than $575,000. For more information about Anixter Center and ways to support the organization or become a volunteer, please visit www.anixter.org.