An Evening for Equality 2008, co-chaired by Pamela Hansen of USG and Patrick Hughes of Inclusion Solutions, was a stunning success! Nearly 300 friends and supporters of Equip for Equality gathered at the elegant Chicago Renaissance Hotel on October 28 for Equip For Equality’s annual benefit. The event celebrated the advances that people with disabilities are making toward inclusion, honored those whose contributions have made a significant difference, and raised much-needed funds for Equip for Equality’s important work.
The gala also launched Equip For Equality’s Equality For Kids Campaign, co-chaired by Duane C. Quaini of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, Kevin G. Burke, of Burke, Mahoney and Wise, and William A. Van Hoene, Jr., of Exelon, each of whom attended the event and spoke eloquently of the campaign’s importance. This volunteer-driven effort is a three-year initiative of leading Chicago law firms and corporations to raise funds for the Special Education Clinic and other EFE advocacy efforts on behalf of children with disabilities.
Dave Savini, investigative journalist for WMAQ-TV and an important voice for people with disabilities, gracefully navigated the evening as master of ceremonies. The evening featured a lavish silent auction and the entertaining remarks of prize-winning novelist and lawyer Scott Turow.
Award presentations infused the evening with an inspirational glow. The moving videos accompanying the awards enhanced the special meaning of each recipient’s contribution.
The Corporate Excellence Award, presented by Senior Counsel Karen Ward, went to Liberty Mutual for its television advertisement highlighting the independence of a person with a disability accessing public transportation and the right to vote. The 2008 Advocacy Award was presented by Deborah Kennedy, Director of the Abuse Investigation Unit, to the family of Brian Kent for their personal courage and passionate determination in sharing the story and demanding justice for their son in order to provide hope for other families. And the evening’s most special honor, the 2008 Dolly Hallstrom Award for Legislative Excellence, was bestowed by Equip for Equality’s President CEO, Zena Naiditch, to Marsha Koelliker, attorney and Equip for Equality’s Public Policy Director, for her longstanding and passionate commitment and service to people with disabilities.
We are proud to announce that we reached our fundraising goals! Our thanks to our Sponsors and to everyone who attended and supported the event. See you next year!
