Anixter Center's Benefit for Ability Celebrates Empowerment Through Employment and Raises Nearly $490,000 and Still Counting

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 325 gathered at Harold Washington Library’s Winter Garden on Thursday, April 30, 2015, to celebrate Anixter Center’s annual Benefit for Ability. The theme of this year’s gala was “Empowerment through Employment.” The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests had a chance to talk with Anixter Center clients with disabilities and staff about the opportunities for meaningful employment that have been provided by local businesses, including the evening’s honoree, Comcast. After the cocktail hour, guests were greeted by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Marion Brooks, anchor at NBC 5 News Chicago. Brooks welcomed guests and invited them to learn more about the impact Comcast has had on Anixter Center and its clients over their 13-year business relationship.

Event Chairman, President and GM of NBC 5 David Doebler hosted the evening. Matt Summy, Vice President of External and Government Relations for Comcast, accepted the award honoring Comcast for the loyalty and vision the company has demonstrated in supporting Anixter Center’s mission to help those with disabilities find empowerment through employment. After Summy’s speech, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Limelight Catering.

Later in the evening, guests had an opportunity to personally support the mission of Anixter Center, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, through a pledge drive. Thanks to the unprecedented generosity of the evening’s sponsors Anixter Center’s Benefit for Ability raised nearly $490,000 and additional funds continue to come in. For more information about Anixter Center and ways to support the organization, please visit www.anixter.org.

One of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, Anixter Center provides an array of services to help those with disabilities and related challenges live, learn, work and play in the community. Through 34 programs and services at 35 locations across the greater Chicago area, Anixter Center and its three divisions—CALOR, Chicago Hearing Society and Lekotek—touch the lives of nearly 8,000 individuals annually and advocates for the rights of children and adults with all types of disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. For more information, visit www.anixter.org.