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.
“As a first-generation college student, I am setting the standard for success for my younger brother and sister. I continue to push myself because I know I have people looking up to me.”– MARKESE MALONE
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.

Miracle Burres

Markese Malone
Laura Jones
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