Landmarks Illinois welcomed 755 guests and raised $860,000 at the 2017 Legendary Landmarks Celebration
March 27, 2017
Landmarks Illinois and 755 guests, including longtime LI supporters, fellow historic preservation advocates, local officials and our 2017 Legendary Landmark Honorees, gathered at the Hilton Chicago on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, for the 12th Legendary Landmarks Celebration.
The annual fundraiser resulted in $860,000 in proceeds for Landmarks Illinois. Thanks to our generous supporters, the evening’s live auction and paddle raise brought in a record $203,000. This critical funding supports Landmarks Illinois yearly advocacy work and grant programs, which provide necessary resources to historic preservation projects in communities throughout our state.
The 2017 Legendary Landmarks Celebration also received 77 table sponsorships, another record amount for the annual event, which began in 2006. The amount of funds raised at the 2017 Celebration surpassed prior year’s proceeds by 13 percent, continuing a positive trend line in fundraising. Landmarks Illinois wishes to thank the guests who joined us March 15 and showed their support for Landmarks Illinois. To view photos from the event, click here.
The night’s three Legendary Landmarks Honorees were: Fred Eychaner, civil rights at peace activist; Richard Hunt, internationally renowned artist; and Daniel McCaffery, CEO of McCaffery Interests and this year’s “Corporate Landmark.” Including our 2017 honorees, the Legendary Landmarks Celebration has now honored 40 people and corporations through the annual event.
Changes to LLC in 2017
After hearing feedback from Legendary Landmarks Celebration guests, this year, we made some changes to the 2017 program. These changes included lengthening the cocktail reception as well as adding a dessert reception, giving attendees more time to visit and network with professionals and peers who are passionate about preservation.
Presentations and speeches during the program were also streamlined. Landmarks Illinois focused on storytelling through video, showing an exciting new organizational video about our work in Chicago and statewide. We also showcased inspiring videos on each of the evening’s three Legendary Landmarks honorees, which highlighted their work and commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
The History of LLC
The Legendary Landmarks Celebration is Landmarks Illinois’ biggest fundraising event of the year. Each March, the event draws nearly 800 people who choose to support our programs and pay tribute to our Legendary Landmark honorees. These honorees are cultural and civic leaders, as well as corporations, in Chicago and beyond who make our state’s communities better places to live. The Legendary Landmarks Celebration is an entertaining night of networking, dinner and drinks as well as a critically important fundraiser for the future of Landmarks Illinois’ historic preservation programs and advocacy efforts.
Landmarks Illinois held its first Legendary Landmarks Celebration in 2006 when it honored Lois Weisberg, a creative, committed public servant who worked as the City of Chicago’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and led efforts to save architectural treasures throughout the city. Each year since that inaugural gala, Landmarks Illinois has honored local leaders and innovators, such as Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino, famous Chicago Cubs player Ernie Banks, and retired U.S. Army officer, investor and philanthropist Jennifer N. Pritzker.
In addition to calling attention to the important people positively impacting their communities and the built environment, the Legendary Landmarks Celebration is an anticipated event where Landmarks Illinois’ biggest supporters and most dedicated advocates gather for an evening of networking, dinner, drinks and entertainment. Every year, Landmarks Illinois and the Legendary Landmarks Celebration Host Committee brainstorm new and exciting ways to entertain and engage our guests and supporters. After a dozen years of putting on this major gala, we strive to keep the event fresh and fun for all attendees.
Again, we thank all those who attended the 2017 Legendary Landmarks Celebration and for the incredible demonstration of support throughout the evening.
(Photo: 2017 Legendary Landmarks Daniel McCaffery, Richard Hunt and Fred Eychaner at Landmarks Illinois’ Legendary Landmarks Celebration, held March 15, 2017, at the Hilton Chicago. Credit: Diane Alexander White Photography)