Women's Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
The Women's Board was founded in 1960. Since that time, it has provided major funding for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's (RIC) Charity Care Fund and has made significant annual contributions to many special programs including:
The Women's Board comprises more than 90 members who have made a strong commitment to supporting RIC and its mission of helping people return to productive and independent lives. In addition to fundraising, members support the special programs through direct service volunteering by offering their skills and abilities to meet specific needs.
Women's Board Events
Medicine Ball: An Evening of Gatsby
The Women's Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago held its annual benefit gala, this year aptly named the Medicine Ball, on Saturday, the 6th of September at the Chicago History Museum.
The theme was "An Evening of Gatsby," and the event held true to its name. Guests' attire ranged from vintage cocktail dresses and 1920s-inspired couture gowns to the more modern look of black-tie attire. The decor was more than memorable with highlights such as the elegant dark green, white and black color scheme, the beautiful display of white roses, orchids and ornate candelabras decorating each table, the enormous white tent adjoining the museum with its hanging crystal chandeliers, Graff models draped in diamonds and music playing all throughout the night. The evening included cocktails, dinner, a live auction and, later, dancing.
The Ball, chaired by RIC Women's Board members Britt Taner and Tracy Souder, boasted an attendance of more than 400 and net proceeds surpassing $550,000. Proceeds from the event support RIC's new Cancer Rehabilitation Program spearheaded by Dr. Gail Gamble.
Honorary event chair, film critic, former RIC patient and cancer survivor Roger Ebert, added a poignant note to the event by emphasizing what it means to live with a disability and the challenges one faces. He also expressed his gratitude to the Institute for aiding in his recovery following several cancer surgeries.
The Women's Board of RIC would like to thank all of its many friends, supporters and sponsors for their continued support and generosity.
Save the date for Medicine Ball 2009 to be held on Saturday, September 12.
About the Women's Board
Follow this link to donate to the Women's Board Annual Appeal
For questions about the Annual Appeal or Women's Board events, please contact:
Babette Nyka
Director, Women's Board
312-238-6024
312-238-3188 fax
bnyka@ric.org
Kirsten Fish
Manager, Women's Board
312-238-6015
312-238-3188 fax
kfish@ric.org
Beverley Williams
Coordinator, Women's Board
312-238-6023
312-238-3188 fax
bwilliams1@ric.org