Previous Galas

Access Living's 2007 Annual Gala 

On June 25, 2007, over 500 Access Living supporters filled Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom for the Annual Gala.  

Each year, Access Living hosts the fundraiser to raise critical support for programs and services while also recognizing the accomplishments of the community over the past year and honoring an individual or organization with the "Lead On" award.  

Named after the disability community's most beloved leader, Justin Dart Jr., the "Lead On" award recognizes significant contributions made to the empowerment and independence of the disability community.  This year, Access Living presented the award to Tammy Duckworth, the Director of Veteran's Affairs, and former U.S. Congressman Lane Evans for their commitment to and leadership to advance the civil rights of veterans, especially those with disabilities.

In addition to the "Lead On" award, the gala included a reception, dinner and Live Auction hosted by Leslie Hindman.  

At evening's end, the gala raised a record breaking total of over $570,000 for programs and services. 

The evening was made possible through the dedication of this year's Gala Team, including Corporate Chairs Cathy Coughlin and Vicki Jones of AT&T Midwest, and Joe Gregoire, President of National City Bank; and Gala Chair Pamela Ransom. 

Access Living was honored to have NBC 5's Warner Saunders serve as the evenings Emcee. 

Many thanks to all of our generous donors, supporters and volunteers who made the evening such a success.

Access Living's 2006 Annual Gala

On June 29, Access Living staff, board and supporters gathered in the Grand Ballroom of Chicago's Navy Pier to celebrate Access Living's 2006 Annual Gala. Sadly, Roger Ebert, originally scheduled to present the "Lead On" Award and deliver the keynote address, was unable to attend because of a recent surgery, but the event still was a huge success. 

At the Gala, Access Living honored the Oscar-nominated film Murderball with the prestigious "Lead On" Award.  Winner of the Documentary Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize for Editing at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, Murderball chronicles the experience of the U.S. Quad Rugby Team during its quest for Gold at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.  In the film, members of the U.S. Quad Team offer an honest, no nonsense look into the lives of people with disabilities. 

Paralympic team members Mark Zupan and Bob Lujano, two of the stars of the documentary, and Murderball film makers Dana Adam Shapiro and Jeffrey Mandel were in attendance to accept the "Lead On" Award. 

In addition to the excitement around Murderball and the "Lead On" Award, the Gala also featured a live auction.  Once again, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers donated its expertise to organize and a run a spirited auction.  In the midst of the fun, Alyssa Quinlan of Leslie Hindman auctioned off a vacation at Ashford Castle in Ireland; a stay in the heart of wine country in France; tickets to the Sundance Film Festival; a one-week stay in Squaw Valley; and tickets for the Cubs and White Sox. 

After all the excitement, the Gala turned out to be a huge fundraising success, raising over $400,000, an Access Living Gala record. 

This success would not have been possible without Access Living's friends and contributors.  Thank you to everyone who attended and to everyone who supported the event.   

All proceeds from the Annual Gala support Access Living's vital programs and services. 

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