(l to r, Executive Director Debbie Bretag, board chair Ed Cooper, and co-chairs Andrea Lissuzzo & Mike Moore)

The saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words," and painted tiles by teenagers in ICVP's youth programs speak of gangs, of guns, of violence, of death. But they also speak of Dr. Martin Luther King, of education, of family support -- their message of hope, action and peace is clear.

More than 1,000 young men and women across Illinois are reached by ICVP’s youth violence prevention programming annually, and in 2004 they used their experiences of child abuse, gang violence, and domestic violence to create a mural documenting their struggles and hopes for peaceful communities. The mural was the centerpiece of the second annual gala fund-raiser for ICVP.

When ICVP decided to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a gala benefit in 2003, the intent was to design an unforgettable evening for guests to experience an eclectic mix of art and performance reflecting on themes of community peace and non-violence. Because of the overwhelming response of corporate support and ticket sales, the evening’s fundraising goals were exceeded by 18 percent with three quarters of the income generated returned to ICVP’s programs. One year later, The Art of Peace catapulted into a signature event and has involved Chicago’s best world-renown and up-and-coming artists, corporate leaders, and youth voices - one of the beneficiaries of the event.

This reception-style evening included interactive entertainment by Bill Pollack & tribe, a world music ensemble which uses unusual instruments to reinterpret familiar tunes, and Taylor & Holy Goat Drum Ensemble which invited guests to experience the tradition of creating community through rythym.

“ICVP’s work offers the corporate sector the opportunity to support safe communities for their employees to work, live, and play in," says Edward Cooper, III, ICVP board chair.

“ICVP’s work offers the corporate sector the opportunity to support safe communities for their employees to work, live, and play in," says Edward Cooper, III, ICVP board chair.  “By getting these young people involved with community service and volunteerism, we’re also cultivating our future work force and the diversity of communities they come from," added Cooper.

Carla Michelle Agostinelli, a gala committee member, bank officer by day and sculptor by training coordinated the tile mural. She was introduced to ICVP at the 2003 event, and took the initiative to volunteer her time and talent to the project, which will become a permanent part of ICVP’s office space and photographed for a series of greeting cards to raise money for the youth’s community projects.

Stunning visuals, electrifying performances, passionate voices, and stirring soundscapes filled Club Moda on September 10, 2003 at “The Art of Peace," a gala benefit to celebrate the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention’s tenth anniversary.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and recording artist Melody Swink served as honorary chairs for this event that drew more than 170 people in support of ICVP’s efforts to prevent interpersonal violence across Illinois.

Current Board Member Mary F. Morten and founding Board Member State Rep. Julie Hamos, worked closely as co-chairs of ICVP’s Leadership Council to help plan the gala. The Leadership Council is an extension of the board of directors committed to fund-raising and expanding the organization’s reach.

Entertainment included Lookingglass Theatre, performance group MASS Ensemble, spoken word artist Keith M. Kelley and the jazz/blues Lucy Smith Trio, and a special performance of the single, “American Girl," by Melody Swink, from her 2003 debut album. A lively silent auction featured warm-weather travel, self-care spa and salon treatments, savory restaurant packages, and original art including a signed poster of the event icon by Ed Paschke. Thanks to all of our donors.

“The Art of Peace launched our work into a new decade and will help grow our work beyond our greatest expectations. The partnership of all those who made this event a reality reflects our value of bringing diverse voices to every decision-making table and the urgency of everyone playing a role in ending violence," ICVP Executive Director Debbie Bretag says.