YOU'VE BEEN GLANCED!
Fox 32 Anchor & Gala Emcee Sylvia Perez was Part of this Special Black-Tie Fundraiser, Along with Many Other Chicago Area VIPs Who Generously Support Easterseals
CHICAGO–On Saturday, April 20, 2024, more than 400 guests attended the Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley’s 46th Annual Benefit Gala at The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. On behalf of our Board of Directors, gala committee volunteers, therapists and staff, Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley can't say thank you enough.
Together, guests raised $465,0000 (net) to ensure that children with disabilities and their families are empowered.
During the benefit gala, Chad and Tiffany Olson from Wheaton, IL, received the 2024 Crystal Heart Award for their unique and longstanding commitment to the children and families at Easterseals especially as impassioned volunteers, advocates, and leaders.
Chad and Tiffany came to Easterseals in 2012 when their youngest child, Brinley, was just six weeks old. She was born with a malformation in her brain that caused many physiological effects. As Brinley grew and progressed in therapies, so did Chad and Tiffany’s involvement. They were quick to offer their support, and they continue to share their skills and talents as powerful storytellers and passionate ambassadors for Easterseals.
Their children, Liliana, Kallen and Brinley, have learned from their parents’ example and share in their service. For more than a decade, the Olsons have rallied hundreds of others to join their family in support of Easterseals. Their energy, warmth and laughter are catching, and their impact is felt by everyone in our community.
Also honored was Dr. Peter J. Smith with the 2024 Alviti Changemaker Award as a hard-working and passionate advocate for children with developmental and behavioral challenges. Dr. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago and leads a Medical Diagnostic Clinic at Easterseals. He is board certified in two subspecialties of pediatrics, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP).
The black-tie fundraiser included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing to a live band and assorted auctions to support children with disabilities. Thank you to Presenting Partners Lisa and Fred Barbara. Event partners also include Constellation, Katten, William Blair, Blake & Erin Pontius, Allied Power and Pathways.org.
Save the date for next year – March 8, 2025.
About Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley believes every child deserves to thrive in an inclusive community. Our work ensures that children with disabilities and their families are empowered. We offer pediatric therapy services virtually and at three West Suburban Chicagoland locations to help more than 1,000 infants, children and adults receive individualized care. Services include physical, occupational and speech therapies, mental health, assistive technology, medical nutrition services, audiology, developmental evaluations, an inclusive child care center, specialty clinics and a continuing education program. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.eastersealsdfvr.org. For the latest news, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastersealsdfvr.
