The 40th Annual GAMBOL, presented by the Women’s Board of UCP and chaired by Michele Thompson, was a huge success in raising $275,000 for people with disabilities and those who care for and about them.
This year’s black-tie gala kicked off at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 at our exciting new Michigan Avenue location, the Hilton Chicago. The new venue provided a true casino experience, spectacular views of Grant Park and accessibility to all.
Four hundred guests “played their hand” for an evening of cabaret entertainment by the Ken Arlen Orchestra, casino gaming, cocktails, dining, dancing, silent and live auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with assistive technology at various activity sites throughout the evening. By sharing the experience of this equipment, guests were given an even greater appreciation of the role UCP plays in supporting those who rely on our assistance.
Corporate Chair, Jan Fields, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of McDonald’s USA, LLC, was instrumental in securing $60,000 from Ronald McDonald Charities, Inc. and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Their generous gift supports UCP’s mission, with a special focus on home modifications for children with disabilities. Jan’s tireless effort in achieving this major gift was a true measure of her caring and commitment. Jan also brought a very special guest, Ronald himself, to the event!
Life truly began at 40!
The following corporations and individuals helped underwrite the 40th Annual Gambol:
MONTE CARLO CLUB LEVEL
McDonald’s USA, LLC
Hannah and Frank Grossman Charitable Trust
CASINO CLUB LEVEL
ABC 7
Aon Corporation
East Balt. Commissary, Inc.
Fair Oaks Farms
Golden State Foods
Golub and Company, LLC
The HAVI Group LP
Mr. & Mrs. John Lahey
New Century Bank
Russell Reynolds Associates
Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates
Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Tribbett, III
Walsh Construction
For information regarding next years’ event, call UCP at 312-464-1608, ext. 21.
Women’s Board Members present at the 2007 Gambol Left to Right: Paula Richardson, Irene Catanese, Emily Chardell, Deborah Lahey, Laura Durudogan, Suzi Bramson Brooks, Robin Boushie, Michele Thompson and Joanne Parente Gilson.
Left to Right 2007 Gambol Chair Michele Thompson, UCP Board Member Mike Thompson, UCP President and CEO Paul Dulle, 2007 Gambol Corporate Chair Jan Fields, UCP Board Member Steve Napolitano, 2007 Women’s Board President Deborah Lahey and UCP Board Member Steve Gilson.
2007 Gambol guests enjoying a game of craps with special guest dealer Lee Golub.
Women’s Board Member Suzi Bramson Brooks with husband Chuck enjoying a dance at the 2007 Gambol. Suzi was honored at the event for her “perfect attendance” to all 40 Gambols!
GAMBOLS of Years Past...
Women's Board Members present at the 2006 Gambol Right to Left: Michele Thompson, Lisa Brown Tribbett, Suzan Bramson Brooks, Irene Catanese, Robin Boushie, Laura Barnett Sawchyn, Patricia Callahan, Kathleen Swien, Patricia Mortensen, Laura Durudogan, Laurie Ashcraft, Helen Brown, Christine Levine, Paula Richardson, Mary Beth Smith and Jeanne Kaplan.
Left to Right 2006 Gambol Community Leadership Honoree's, "The Doctors Tom", Dr. Tom Wodniak, Dr. Tom Emmering and Dr. Peter Galdoni.
Left to Right 2006 Gambol Benefactor Maria Magnus, UCP's President and CEO, Dr. Paul J. Dulle and UCP Board Member and State Representative Elizabeth Coulson.
Gambol 2006 Chairman Laurie Ashcraft, (left), with guests enjoying the after-dinner Cabaret.
UCP Women's Board Members in attendance at the 2005 Gambol. Seated from left to right: Patricia Callahan, Paula Richardson, 2005 Women's Board President Laura Durudogan, Mary Beth Smith, Suzi Bramson Brooks, Patricia Mortensen and Myrna Scher. Standing from left to right: Helen Brown, Laurie Ashcraft, Jeanne Kaplan, Laura Barnett, Lisa Brown Tribett, Robin Boushie, Christine Levine and Kathy Lederer. The event was a huge success netting nearly $160,000.00 for programs and services.
Left to Right 2005 Gambol Co-Chair Suzi Bramson Brooks, Community Leadership Honoree Christopher Zorich, 2005 Gambol Co-Chair Mary Beth Smith and 2005 Women's Board President Laura Durudogan.
Left to Right UCP’s President and CEO, Dr. Paul J. Dulle and CBS 2's Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine and ABC 7's Janet Davies.
2005 Gambol guests enjoying a game of Craps.
Left to Right 2004 Co-Chair Irene Catanese, Community Leadership Honoree John Wickes and Co-Chair Gloria Korner.
Gambol 2004 Community Leadership Honoree John Wickes and Corporate Chair Carrie Hightman of SBC.
UCP's President & CEO Dr. Paul J. Dulle with Roger Hughes and Gambol 2002 Community Leadership Honoree John Kemp enjoyed a successful evening of fun and gambling.
2002 Gambol Chairman Deb Lahey, 2002 Women's Board Chairman RaeAnn Good and 2002 President Lisa Brown Tribbett's combined contributions and work
made the 35th Gambol the most successful ever!
CBS 2's Jay Levine and Mary Ann Childers with Corporate Chairman Matt Walsh of Walsh Construction, 2002 Gambol Chairman Deb Lahey and Community Leadership Honoree John Kemp (seated).
