REST Celebrates at 30th Anniversary Dinner: VIPs Speak
On November 12, 2009, over 100 REST supporters celebrated its 30th anniversary at Marcello's Restaurant on North Avenue in Chicago. Over $10,000 was raised to help with the agency's operating expenses. Guest speakers included Secretary of State Jesse White, Dr. Sandy Goldberg of Channel 5, Dr. Damen Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Ed Shurna, Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The evening included dinner, a Raffle and a Silent Auction with prizes worth thousands of dollars. Live dinner music was provided by Edgewater classical guitarist, Jennifer Trowbridge. REST also honored volunteers, staff and board members with six awards for longevity of service.
Click here for REST 30th Anniversary Program Book
Many memories were shared in photos, old news articles, video, and stories by founding volunteers and staff members. The Program booklet contained ads with warm wishes from many friends of REST. Two current program participants reminded the group of the struggles faced by a person who finds him or herself homeless, even after a lifetime of work.
REST Board President, Mike O'Hara, served as the Master of Ceremonies. O'Hara stated, "We are proud to continue the life-saving work of the devoted volunteers who founded this organization in 1979. REST has been through many difficult times, but it must continue to offer refuge to the homeless men and women of Uptown, since there are not enough programs to help people get off the street. The need for affordable housing isn't even close to being met."
Alderman Helen Shiller sponsored a Resolution from the City Council congratulating REST upon the occasion of its 30th Anniversary. Ald. Shiller also sent best wishes to Executive Director, Kathleen Ahler, with a Resolution from the City Council, honoring her 2009 Jefferson Award for Public Service. Ahler addressed the group, saying "We are so happy to have you here tonight as part of the REST family. We are all here for one reason: we are here for the sake of our clients. We believe that everyone has a right to housing, and we must continue to make REST a place to begin again for those who have nowhere else to turn."
Posted: November 16, 2009
