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Elizabeth Foster, Tom Arnold, Catherine Bertini and Mary Ellen Caron. |
VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2010 WOMEN OF CONCERN BRIGID AWARDS LUNCHEONThe 2010 Women of Concern Brigid Awards luncheon, held on February 26, was an outstanding success raising more than $275,000 in support of Concern’s work in Haiti—and significantly more than organizers had expected.
The luncheon honored Catherine Bertini, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program; Mary Ellen Caron, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services; and Elizabeth Foster, founder of Hedge Funds Care Midwest. The women were recognized for their strong leadership and their commitment to justice, generosity and compassion in their work and daily lives.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the program was emceed by Marion Brooks, news anchor at NBC 5 Chicago. Concern Board Member Dolores Connolly and longtime supporter Marian Brady were co-chairs of the event. Attendees heard Concern CEO Tom Arnold outline the agency’s current priorities in Haiti: water, sanitation, nutrition, and essential relief supplies—especially shelter.
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Concern Worldwide board member Dolores Connolly and long-time supporter Marian Brady were the event co-chairs |
Along with the population, relief workers in the country are bracing themselves for the imminent rainy season that threatens in particular the many thousands earthquake survivors still without plastic sheeting and other means to protect themselves.
Haiti’s tragedy has already begun dropping from the headlines, but Arnold stressed that Concern will remain in Haiti for the long run. Concern has been in the country since 1994, and currently has a national staff of close to 250, with another dozen international staff overseeing emergency response efforts.
Steven Zick, Vice President and Head of Office for Christie's Fine Art Auctioneers in Chicago, did a masterful job conducting the event’s “Paddle Raise,” which boosted proceeds with more than $100,000.
Illinois State President John J. Cullerton’s presented the State of Illinois’ tribute to the late Father Aengus Finucane, Concern’s co-founder who passed away last fall. Citing Senate Resolution # 431 made at the 96th General Assembly, Cullerton said: “Father Aengus Finucane will be remembered fondly by countless people in Ireland, the U.S., and the many places around the world that benefited from his generosity and compassion.”
OUR 2010 HONOREES
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Catherine Bertini
Professor, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University
2003 World Food Prize Laureate
Catherine Bertini has been a leader in public sector management, international organizations, humanitarian relief, and nutrition policy. She was Chief Executive of the United Nations World Food Programme for ten years. Catherine’s work highlighted the pivotal role of women in food distribution and pioneered the use of food to empower women and girls. She was named the 2003 World Food Prize Laureate for her efforts toward ending famine and decreasing hunger. Catherine served a two-year term as Senior Fellow in Agriculture Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She is Co-Chair of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ Global Agricultural Development Initiative.
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Mary Ellen Caron, Ph.D.
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Mary Ellen Caron oversees Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services, which provides community-based services to promote the well-being and successful development of Chicago’s youngest residents, while strengthening families and their communities. In 2006, under her leadership, the Department of Children and Youth Services became the recipient of the Gold Quill Award of Excellence. Mary Ellen was a Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Board of Education, where she leveraged her administrative background to improve Chicago’s public schools. In addition, Mary Ellen was the founding principal of Frances Xavier Warde School. She also serves in the Prevent Child Abuse Task Force for the City of Chicago.
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Elizabeth Foster
Founder, Hedge Funds Care Midwest
Elizabeth Foster has a professional background in finance and investments, and is a Managing Partner with Kilkenny Capital Management. She founded Hedge Funds Care Midwest in 2002, and has been an active member of the global board of Hedge Funds Care. In these roles, Elizabeth has raised significant funds to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. She also is an elder and trustee of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago. In 2005, Elizabeth joined the Leadership Council of the Harvard School of Public Health, which helps raise awareness around the world about public health issues. She is a trustee at the McCormick Theological Seminary, and is a member of the new Women’s Board at The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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(Click here to view past Brigid Awards recipients)