Held on the stage of the world-renowned Pritzker Pavilion at Chicago’s Millennium Park, the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention hosted its fourth annual Art of Peace gala. For the first time ever, this year’s event raised in excess of $108,000.

We are especially grateful to the many sponsors, donors, guests and volunteers whose efforts made it possible to reach this important landmark. A very special thanks goes to our co-chairpersons Fr. Larry Dowling, community and peace activist, and Judith Rice, City of Chicago Treasurer.

To kick off the evening, guests had an opportunity to bid on a wide-array of silent auction items while indulging in gourmet hors d’oeuvres and ICVP’s signature “peace-tini” while being entertained by the soothing sounds of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet.

As the evening’s emcee, NBC 5’s news anchor and reporter, Art Norman, kicked off the evening’s program. This year, ICVP presented Sunny Fischer with its inaugural Vision to Action Award for exemplary leadership in advancing safe families and communities. Sunny is a longtime advocate, activist and philanthropist for social justice issues, especially ending violence against women.

The award presentation was followed by a video tribute from colleagues, friends and family underscoring her dedication and commitment to the field of violence prevention. With award in hand, Sunny took the stage with a powerful and inspiring message reminding the audience that we all play an important role in making homes and communities safer places for everyone.

Following the award presentation, an unexpected live auction thrilled the crowd when attendee Mike Moore offered 4 tickets to the Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers football game that raised $650. Fast on its heels, a game of Heads or Tails commenced with the winner going home with 2 tickets to the Rolling Stones concert along with an overnight stay at the Amalfi Hotel Chicago. The silent & live auction, and game of Heads or Tails raised over $12,000 in support of ICVP’s mission.

With a $25 gift card donated by Ultra Diamonds in hand, guests left asking, “When is the 2007 Art of Peace gala?” Check back here to learn…

Co-Chairpersons
Rev. Lawrence Dowling
Honorable Judith Rice

Carla Agostinelli
Neil Bresnahan
Claudia Cook
Andrea Lissuzzo
Kimberly Matlon
Mary F. Morten
Mariella Palacios
Libbey Paul
Pam Paul
Jillian Rebol
Teni Schumacher
Ceci Shave
Char Wnuk
Velicia D. Woods