Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Gala 2014

The Chicago Lighthouse is a non-profit agency devoted to ” …. providing the highest quality educational, clinical, vocational, and rehabilitation services for children, youth, and adults who are blind ”

“Seeing What’s Possible” was the theme for this year’s annual Gala, a wonderful dinner party at The Four Seasons Hotel at 120 E. Delaware St.

In the spotlight this special evening were two significant individuals – Frank Chanen receiving the superior Beacon of Light Award and Bruce Hague, retiring after three years as Chairman of the Board. Accommodating the elegant black-tie crowd was guest speaker Ms. Rachel DeWoskin, author of “Blind,” a new novel that guides readers through the challenges of vision loss. As a staunch advocate of the Lighthouse, she also offered complimentary copies of “Blind” to everyone who attended this event.

“Faces of Disability” is a phrase describing the Lighthouse’s latest achievement: obtaining hundreds of jobs with a new facility at the Illinois Tollway Call Center; not only for the blind but also for the disabled and Veterans.

Stanley Paul (celebrating his 50th anniversary) and his orchestra delighted guests in the grand ballroom, adding a lively musical atmosphere for this Gala that lasted well into the late-night hours.

Congratulations to Chairman Anida Johnson “Cookie” Cohen, Jamie Breslin and her co-workers at the Four Seasons Hotel, and Janet P. Szlyk, President and C.E.O. of the Lighthouse. All three combined their efforts for an extraordinary event! An astonishing $300,000 was raised from these 300 generous party-goers for this honorable
organization on a remarkable evening when even the visually impaired seemed to be able to see the light shining from the Chicago Lighthouse.