We Saw What Was Possible at the Chicago Lighthouse Gala

May 31, 2015 in Charities & Foundations, Chicago, Events, Featured

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“Seeing What’s Possible” was the theme for this year’s Chicago Lighthouse Gala, a very honorable event which raises significant funds to enable individuals with visual impairments.

Eyesight is something we all take for granted every day, yet a gala such as this one raises sharp awareness towards those who are visually impaired and makes the rest of us stop for a moment and feel very fortunate. Mobility, independence, and employment are the three main focuses the Chicago Lighthouse pursues; enabling those with visual impairments to attain their goals. Dozens of loyal supporters attended this special soiree as the Palm Court of the Drake Hotel was overflowing with visitors and terrific ambiance during the cocktail party, including ice-cold drinks and mouthwatering hors-d’oeuvres.

Accomplished Chairman Anida Johnson “Cookie” Cohen coordinated the evening’s activities, along with honorary committee members Sherrill Bodine, Mamie Walton, and Cheri Lawrence among others. The Gold Coast Room became the center of attention for the annual dinner, featuring large, decorated round tables, spectacular chandeliers, and a menu that would make the Queen of England envious. Stanley Paul and his orchestra provided the perfect background music while Hosea Sanders (of ABC – Channel 7) entertained the elegant crowd as dinner emcee and U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis was honored. During the course of the evening, an extraordinary silent auction took place, offering everything from vacations to Hawaii or Spain to weekend hotel packages to tickets for a Chicago sports team.

A special event for a wonderful organization like Chicago Lighthouse doesn’t happen every day; and Chairman Cookie Cohen and her team of volunteers made this party a terrific success. Not to be overlooked are the generous sponsors who made this fundraiser possible, including Sound Incorporated, The Private Bank, Mrs. Beatrice Mayer, and countless others.

Anida Johnson Cookie Cohen, chair of The Chicago Lighthouse’s 2015 Annual Dinner, flashes a smile as she addresses guests at the gala event – Courtesy of John Reilly Photography

Beacon of Light Award recipient Congressman Danny Davis, Chicago philanthropist Beatrice Mayer, and Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin – Courtsey of Robert Sit

ABC 7 News’ Hosea Sanders, Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyz, ABC 7 News director Jennifer Graves, and Lighthouse Board Chair Richard Schnadig – Courtsey of Robert Sit

ABC 7 news anchor Hosea Sanders, who served as emcee, greets guests at The Chicago Lighthouse’s Annual Dinner – Courtesy of John Reilly Photography

ABC 7 News anchor Hosea Sanders, I On The Scene President Irene Michaels, and U.S. Representative Danny Davis

ABC 7 News’ Hosea Sanders, Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyz, U.S. Representative Danny Davis, and Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin – Courtsey of Robert Sit

Guests are shown enjoying The Chicago Lighthouse’s 2015 Annual Dinner, which raised nearly $300,000 to assist Lighthouse programs – Courtesy of John Reilly Photography

Be sure to attend the Lighthouse’s next upcoming event, the 3rd Annual Mike Ditka Charity Golf Tournament at the North Shore Country Club on August 31st. See you there!

About Jim Wattron

Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, with a degree in Business Administration. Jim has worked with the team from the beginning and he consistently strives for innovation with refreshing topics that inspire readers with context of new adventures and happenings, locally and internationally. Read more from this author.