Our 7th Annual Benefit Luncheon was a huge success!

Our 7th Annual Benefit Luncheon was a huge success!

Over 400 guests gathered at Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago to advance the comprehensive mission of the Comer Education Campus.

Hosea Sanders led a dynamic conversation with Comer Senior, Miracle Burres, and Comer Alums, Markese Malone and Laura Jones, who shared their unique personal stories and perspectives, inspiring the audience to help create new possibilities for youth on Chicago's South Side.

Meet our youth panelists

MIRACLE BURRES GARY COMER COLLEGE PREP, ‘20 Miracle has been part of the Comer Education Campus since she was five years old. She has taken advantage of everything the Campus has to offer, participating in visual and performing arts, culinary, urban agriculture, and civic engagement programs. Miracle is now a senior at Gary Comer College Prep, preparing to graduate with honors and attend college to pursue a career in the medical field.

MARKESE MALONE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, ‘22 As a sophomore at Johnson College Prep, Markese joined the Youth Center for more resources and support with college preparation. He also enjoyed civic engagement and media/journalism programs. Markese’s strong work ethic and desire to achieve led to internships through the career preparation partnership with BMO Harris. Markese is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate.

LAURA JONES ST. NORBERT COLLEGE, ‘17, OPPORTUNITY COORDINATOR, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Laura was active on the Campus since she was fourteen years old. She pursued college preparation, leadership, and apprenticeship programs. She graduated from Gary Comer College Prep in 2013 and went on to attend St. Norbert College where she revitalized student governance, eventually becoming president of the Black Student Union. Laura is continuing to give back with a career in youth development. She is also a full-time graduate student at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse studying student affairs administration.

Press

Better Makers: Redefining Possible at Gary Comer Youth Center’s Pivotal Campus

Read story by Emily Stone, October 25, 2019, Better Chicago.

Thank you to our sponsors

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Lara & Cass Anderson

BerbeeWalsh Foundation

Comer Family Foundation

The George Lucas Family Foundation

Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan Foundation

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

The Chicago Community Foundation

The Rooney Family

The Rosenfield Family

CUM LAUDE

BMO Harris Bank

The Boeing Company

William Jentes

Fredrick A. Krehbiel

Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation

Ella D. & Richard P. Strubel Fund

SCHOLAR

Bel Brands USA 

Bernstein Private Wealth Management 

CIBC Bank

Courtney & Guy Comer

Stephanie Comer & Rob Craigie

Janet & Craig Duchossois

Adrian Foster

GCI

Harris Family Foundation

Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel & John H. Krehbiel, Jr.

Loeb & Loeb, LLP

The Jane & David Stone Charitable Trust

MEDIA SPONSOR

ABC7

LUNCHEON COMMITTEE

• Jay Abraham
• Bob Barnett
• Monica Carney
• Francie Comer
• Guy Comer
• Stephanie Comer
• Emily & Ross Emmerman
• Adrienne Gibbs
• Clare Golla
• Barbara Jackson
• Margaret Jones
• Greg Mooney
• Ayoka Noelle Mota Samuels
• Bill Schleicher
• Marie & Kit Shah
• Amy Stender
• Mary Stonor-Saunders
• Julia & Errett Van Nice