Amy Rule Receives Chicago CAC’s Luminary Award
The evening honored First Lady of Chicago Amy Rule, who was recognized for her dedicated work on behalf of children who have suffered from sexual abuse.
The fundraising event, co-chaired by Sheila McGinn Dorman, COO of Northern Trust Securities, and Mara Walsh, drew over 350 corporate, community and civic leaders and political figures, as well as long-time friends of ChicagoCAC. To start the night, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and placed their bids on unique silent auction packages, followed by a seated dinner and program.
Justice Anne M. Burke presented the 2016 Luminary Award to Amy Rule. Justice Burke and her husband, Alderman Edward Burke were last year’s award recipients. Upon receiving the award, Ms. Rule said, “I am heartened that all of you here tonight have joined the city is embracing the important work of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Rahm and I thank you for your past support and we thank you for continuing to help the staff with the critical work they do to heal some of our neediest residents.” In addition to her work with the ChicagoCAC, Ms. Rule is a strong advocate for children’s safety and welfare causes. She supports the city’s youth through violence prevention efforts, internship, and employment opportunities and reading engagement programs.
ChicagoCAC’s Executive Director Char Rivette said, “Through her role as our first lady and as a committed parent and Chicagoan, Amy Rule has shown strong support to prevent child sexual abuse and ensure that children who need help get our city’s full support to heal,” said. “Her leadership in our community, her support of the center and her advocacy for children’s health and wellbeing make her a true luminary in our great city.”
A special appeal during the program raised over $94,000 for the center’s Growing & Giving campaign. Launched in 2014 to leverage the city’s $9 million dollar TIF investment, the campaign’s goal is to raise an additional $2.5 million in private contributions to support programmatic growth and double the center’s mental health therapy capacity. Campaign donations now top $1 million. Other proceeds from the evening benefit ChicagoCAC’s family advocacy, forensic interviews, therapy and other vital services for children and families. The event raised a total of $424,000.
“Freedom from abuse and exploitation is a basic human right, and it’s a privilege for me to be involved in the work the center does for the children in our community,” said co-chair Shelia McGinn Dorman. “They give a voice to the voiceless and provide a safe haven, treatment, and hope for these kids. Our goal is to prevent child sexual abuse and help these children and families heal.”
To support the work of the Chicago CAC donations can be made through the center’s website.
About: ChicagoCAC and its partners are the front-line responders in Chicago to reports of child sexual abuse as well as reports of physical abuse of children under 3 years old. They coordinate child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, medical experts, family advocates and mental health clinicians under one roof. As part of a multi-disciplinary team of experts, they investigate alleged abuse, conduct forensic interviews, provide family advocacy, reduce trauma and identify resources so that children and families may begin the healing process. All the center’s services are free of charge. Since opening its doors in 2001, ChicagoCAC has served more than 300,000 children and families.
Headline Photo: ChicagoCAC Executive Director Char Rivette, First Lady of Chicago Amy Rule, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Co-chair Sheila McGinn Dorman
Photo Credit: Mila Samokhina and Jon Recana.
