President Clinton and Shirley Ryan honored at Access Living “Lead On!” Gala

(On right, Auctioneer working with audience. In center, Board Member Kareem Dale at Podium.) 

On June 1, more than 850 people celebrated the Access Living 35th Anniversary and the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Each year, Access Living hosts a “Lead On!” Gala to recognize individual commitment to people with disabilities, and build support for Access Living Programs. At the 2015 Gala, Access Living honored President Bill Clinton and Shirley Ryan with “Lead On!” awards. 

(Photo: President Bill Clinton accepting the Lead On Award. Mayor Emanuel to his left; Rob Johnson of CBS Channel 2 to his right) 
A tribute to Justin Dart, Jr., Access Living’s “Lead On!” Award honors individuals who promote the empowerment and independence of people with disabilities, and whose lives and actions embody the principles and values that Dart personified. Bristo spoke of Justin Dart when presenting the award to Clinton. “As a trusted friend and advisor to President Clinton, Justin would be so honored to know you are receiving the award that carries his name,” she said. 

 

(Photo: Marca Bristo on stage presenting Lead On Award to Shirley Ryan)
Gala attendees were also treated to a Live Auction, led by Jason Lamoreaux, who auctioned off fabulous Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago White Sox prizes. 

With the support and leadership of Ron Gidwitz, the Corporate Chair for the event, the Gala was a success, raising more than $1 million toward Access Living programs and services. 

The Host Committee for the event included the Crown and Goodman Families, GCM Grosvenor, The Gidwitz Family, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Beatrice C. Mayer and the 
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation. 

The Anniversary Committee included BMO Harris Bank, Exelon, Lindy and Mike Keiser, Holly and John Madigan, Northern Trust, Kay and Michael O’Halleran, J.B. Pritzker, and the
Sun-Times Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust. 

(Photo: Image of Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. Tables filled with Access Living Gala Audience)Access Living Board Member Kareem Dale was the event chair, and CBS 2 Chicago Weekday Anchor Rob Johnson emceed the event. SPLASH was the Media Sponsor. 

Here is news coverage of the Gala from ABC 7 Chicago . 

Photos by DejaViewsUSA.com

Contact:

 

Gary Arnold

 

Title:

Public Relations Coordinator

 

Email:

 

[email protected]

https://www.accessliving.org/1410ga215