2009 Healing Hands Dinner

Apr. 15, 2009

On Friday, May 8, 2009, Chicago Family will honor several top community and civic leaders at the Healing Hands Annual Dinner. This year’s event is being held at the Metropolitan Club, located in the Sears Tower, Chicago beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees of the dinner will celebrate these leaders who have who have contributed their time, experience and resources for the betterment of others.

The 2009 Healing Hands Honorees are:
Richard Durbin, United States Senator, Legislative Partner of the Year

Laurie Sedio, Co-Executive Director, Metropolitan Family Services, Community Leader of the Year

Laner Muchin Dombrow Becker Levin Tominberg, Ltd., Corporate Leader of the Year

Laura Derks, Director for the South Side Health Collaborative, University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC), 2009 Healing Hands Award

As the recipient of the 2009 Healing Hand Award, Laura Derks has spent her career at UCMC building partners with local community health centers to provide the highest quality healthcare right in their own communities. Currently serving as the Director for the South Side Health Collaborative (SSHC) for the Urban Health Initiative for UCMC, Laura has led the overall direction and work of the SSHC, a broad network of community health and social service providers committed to strengthening the safety net and connecting people to community-based health care under the direction of Dr. Eric Whitaker. Prior to working with Dr. Whitaker, Laura was an integral part of the Office of Community Affairs (OCA) since its inception. Under First Lady Michelle Obama’s leadership, OCA has significantly improved the bridges built between the surrounding communities and the Medical Center.

This year’s Community Leader of the Year is Laurie Sedio, Co-Executive Director, Metropolitan Family Services. As the Co-Executive Director at the South Chicago and Midway Centers, Laurie has been a champion in securing much needed supportive services for the South Chicago and surrounding communities.

The 2009 Corporate Partner of the Year is Laner Muchin Dombrow Becker Levin Tominberg, Ltd. The Law Firm, which specializes in the field of labor, employment law, business immigration, and employee benefits, has been a supporter of CFHC for many years. Members of the firm have donated their time to the organization by serving on committees; and have donated resources that have leveraged additional resources for the organization.

The Honorable Richard J. Durbin, the senior United States Senator from Illinois, is being honored with the 2009 Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Durbin has led the charge in providing affordable, accessible, quality healthcare for the families of Illinois and the country.

The Healing Hands Fundraising event is held annually to raise funds to support the healthcare programs of Chicago Family Health Center. The event will feature a silent auction with viewing beginning at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $125 per person. Sponsorship packages are available.

For more information on the Healing Hands Annual Dinner or to purchase tickets, call Kathryn L. McLain at (773) 768-5000 ext. 1144.