Event Schedule
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Morgan Manufacturing | 401 N. Morgan, Chicago
Cocktail Reception: 5:30PM | Dinner & Program: 6:30-9:00PM
Dress: Business and/or cocktail attire
The 2023 Access Living Gala is a scent free event.
Please refrain from wearing scented products while attending the event – such as scented lotion, perfume and cologne, etc. – as they can trigger serious health issues for those with fragrance allergies. We appreciate your cooperation and consideration in making the 2023 Access Living Gala accessible for all members of our community.
Meet the 2023 Lead On Honoree
Lachi is a multi-award-winning artist, GRAMMY Awards Board DEI Ambassador and Founder and President of RAMPD.org. Born legally blind, Lachi has dedicated her platform and craft to amplifying Disability Culture, promoting inclusion and advocating for accessibility in the Music Industry. Through RAMPD Lachi brought ASL to the GRAMMYs and walked the red carpet. Named a “dedicated foot soldier for disability pride” by Forbes, she held talks with the White House, the UN, and the Kennedy Center, and has been featured in Essence, Billboard and the New York Times for celebrating intersectionality through art and for her upbeat and unapologetic brand of disability pride.
Announcing the Access Living Lifetime Achievement Award
It is our distinct pleasure to announce that we’ll award the first ever Access Living Lifetime Achievement Award to Judy Heumann in honor of her life and legacy at our annual Gala on June 15. Her husband will attend to accept the award.
Judy became a household name in 2020 with the premier of the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp, a film that highlights her lifelong work pushing for disability rights in every aspect of modern society. Access Living had the privilege of knowing Judy, through working with her and in learning from her, for the past four decades. Join us to remember Judy and to celebrate the work of Access Living that continues to build a more inclusive world for disabled people.
Meet our Host Committee Chair
Drew Beres is a co-founder of CROKE FAIRCHILD DUARTE & BERES and serves as the Managing Partner. A corporate attorney, Drew is a longtime, avid supporter of Access Living. He has successfully guided investment funds, financial institutions, government agencies, highly regulated companies, family offices, emerging and growth companies, and Fortune 100 companies through some of their most challenging issues and compelling opportunities. Prior to co-founding the Firm, Drew was a corporate attorney at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Read Drew’s full bio.
Sponsorship and Host Committee Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
To support this year’s gala, please complete the 2023 Sponsorship Web Form below and an invoice will be sent to you.
For additional questions or to discuss customized sponsorship options, please contact Barbara Khalouf, Director of Development. (312) 640-2198 / bkhalouf@accessliving.org
2023 Gala Pledge Form: Sponsorship/Host Committee
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors
Changemakers
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