At the 2012 Women of Concern Awards Luncheon, 550 guests attended the event on Friday, February 24th at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park and raised more than $300,000 for Concern Worldwide’s education programs in Kenya, Malawi, Niger and Pakistan.
During the reception, guests were entertained and inspired by the uplifting music performed by Rich Daniels and Dean Rolando of The City Lights Orchestra, who set an elegant mood.
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(left to right): Susan Flynn, Diane Geraghty, Jacqueline Novogratz and Carol Deely |
Event co-chairs Carol Deely and Susan Flynn welcomed guests and thanked our generous sponsors for their support. They then introduced Kathy Brock, Anchor of ABC 7 News, who was charming in the role of Master of Ceremony.
Tom Arnold, CEO, Concern Worldwide expressed his sincere thanks to donors and provided an update on Concern’s programs. Guests then heard from an Anne O’Mahony, Country Director of Concern Kenya, who relayed stories of her work and experience on the ground in some of the most difficult emergencies.
After lunch, the Women of Concern Awards were bestowed upon two exceptional women. The Concern Leadership Award was given to Diane Geraghty, Professor, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and the Concern Humanitarian Award was given to Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen Fund. Both women have accomplished much in their careers of service to others. Diane explained how Civitas Child Law Center is designed to acquaint law student with the many issues concerning children’s rights. Jacqueline relayed stories of how she uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty. Our guests were inspired by Diane’s and Jacqueline’s tremendous work that uses law and innovation to help those most in need.
An inspirational video highlighting Concern’s work in education was shown to our guests. Thereafter, skilled auctioneer Steve Zick of Christie’s Fine Art Auctioneers kicked off a Paddle Raise. Guest responded with generous bids with all donations benefitting Concern’s education program.
Dolores Connolly, CEO of Sterling Engineering and Concern Board Member then thanked guests for their support and generosity.
The event came to a close with Carol Deely and Susan Flynn calling off the winning names of a raffle that featured seven-day stays at homes in Australia and Ireland, a Fairmont Hotel Stay and Spa, and a beautiful Carlos Falchi leather tote.
Concern Worldwide U.S. would like to thank the event co-chairs:
Carol Deely and Susan Flynn
We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals, businesses and foundations for their generosity and support:
Generosity Sponsors:
Susan & Kevin Flynn
Irene & Joe King
Ann Lurie
Compassion Sponsors
Dolores Connolly & Dan Casey
Emerald Ventures
Sally Csontos Filan and John Filan
Bridget Flanagan
Kay & Fred Krehbiel
Maricarol Lacy
L & W Supply Corporation
Kelly & Jim McShane
Molly & Jim Perry
Kelly & John Waller
Justice Sponsors
Abbott Laboratories
Philip H. Corboy Foundation
Elizabeth Foster & Michael Walsh / Beth Coronelli
Mimi Frankel
Margaret & James Kenny
Optimum Nutrition
Jennifer Schulte
Scott C. Swanson, Charter One and RBS Citizens, Illinois