In honor of its 45th anniversary, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana hosted its first in-person gala in three years—aptly dubbed Welcome Home—at The Geraghty.
Emcees Christopher “Fred” Frederick from 103.5 KISS FM’s The Fred Show and Leon Rogers from The WGCI Morning Show kept the crowd in good spirits, while CEO Holly Buckendahl and board chair Jeff Cantalupo gave opening remarks, setting the tone for an epically altruistic evening. Guests also heard from pediatric physician Dr. Cathy Humikowski about her stay at the first Ronald McDonald House in Chicago as a child.
In honor of the chapter’s founders, Dr. Edward Baum, Bill Chunowitz and Charlie Marino, more than $1.3 million was raised, and funds will help nearly 14,000 families in the Chicagoland area in need of housing and medical care.
Christopher “Fred” Frederick and Leon Rogers
Attendees took advantage of the on-site photo booth.
Holly Buckendahl, Bill Chunowitz, Charlie Marino, Anne Baum and Jeff Cantalupo
Whitney Reynolds and David Helner
Guests raised their paddles at the gala.
Guests with Jeff Cantalupo
Photography by: PHOTOS BY HILARY HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPH
