Chicago Mayoral Candidate Rahm Emanuel with Matt Tobel (left), Zach Zimmerman '10 (center) and Northwestern Public Interest Fellow Lakshmi Nemani (right)On Friday, December 10th, Center on Halsted hosted a Holiday Reception for donors, corporate & foundation sponsors, local business owners and patrons to help kick off the holiday season. The event was a huge success with over 400 attendees who were able to tour the Center, learn about all of the programs & services we offer and meet the staff who makes it all possible. Although many of our donors and sponsors have toured the Center before, this was the first time they were given a behind-the-scenes tour of our mental health suites, the State of Illinois HIV/STD/AIDS Hotline Room, and our Youth Space. We also used the Holiday Reception as an opportunity to announce the launch of the nation's first Homesharing Program for LGBT senior citizens. This revolutionary program will help keep LGBT older adults in their homes and provide companionship and support during an otherwise lonely and stressful time in their lives.
The highlight of the evening was when Rahm Emanuel, former Chief of Staff to President Obama and current Chicago Mayoral candidate, stopped by to greet our staff. Rahm has been an ardent supporter of the LGBT community and helped secured federal money to build Center on Halsted in 2007.
All in all the night was a great opportunity for Center on Halsted staff, supporters and patrons to gather together and celebrate our collective accomplishments for the year. I can't believe its already been 5 months at the Center and I'm looking forward to many more great memories to come!
Coming up at Center on Halsted:
January 2011, "By Women For Women" luncheon and comedy show
February 2011, On the Red Carpet Oscar Party
May 2011, Human First 2011 Gala at the Harris Theatre in Millennium Park
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