A
sell-out crowd of more than 500 gathered at The Merchandise Mart
on Saturday, November 15, 2008 for the 10th Annual Bearcat Ball hosted
by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Associate Board.
The black-tie evening raised more than $100,000 for RIC's Pediatric
Charity Care Program, which offers prosthetic devices and specialized
treatment to children with disabilities whose families cannot afford
this care.
The Ball, chaired by RIC Associate Board members Johanna Croll,
Inga Stenta and Margie Stineman, included a live performance by renowned
Neil Diamond tribute band, Super Diamond. Attendees also enjoyed
tastings from Chicago's top restaurants including, The Signature
Room, Coco Pazzo and Berry Chill. Entertainment also included charitable
casino gaming and a silent auction.
During a special Benefactor Reception, Greta Neimanas, 2008 U.S.
Paralympic Cyclist, received the RIC Associate Board's 2008 “Tree
of Life” Award. A photographic series “Water Towers” by
Chicago artist Suzette Bross Bulley was presented to Neimanas in
recognition of the honor.
Neimanas was chosen as this year's recipient for exemplifying
RIC's vision of advancing human ability. Born with her left
arm missing below the elbow, Neimanas found her passion in sports
and motivated others as a camp counselor for RIC's Caring for
Kids Program. She inspired her mother to establish Families of Amputees
in Motion (FAIM) to support families of other children born with
limb differences. Through strength, determination and a true competitive
spirit Neimanas, at just 20 years old, achieved her goal of competing
last September in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
Members of the 2008 planning committee included Neal Goss, Amanda
Wurzbach, Elizabeth Maier and John Scully. Host Committee members
included Daniel D. Dolan, Julia Pesek, Michael Keiser, and Judy Panko
Reis. Kevin Hull is the Associate Board president.
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) is making a difference
in the world for people with disabilities. RIC provides world-class
care to patients from around the globe for a range of conditions
from acute brain and spinal cord injury to chronic arthritis, pain
and sports injuries. The Associate Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is comprised of more than 90 emerging business
and civic leaders who are committed to raising funding support and
increasing the awareness and ongoing success of the Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago through beneficiary events and volunteer programs.
